There are few authors writing today who combine history, folklore and human storytelling quite like Maggie O'Farrell. From the award-winning Hamnet to the unforgettable The Marriage Portrait, her novels have captivated readers with their emotional depth and richly imagined worlds. Now, O'Farrell returns with Land, her highly anticipated tenth novel, which transports readers to post-Famine Ireland in a moving story of family, memory and belonging.

It's little wonder Land has earned a place on our list of the books to read in July. Set on a windswept Irish peninsula in 1865, the novel follows a father and son working on the Ordnance Survey of Ireland, where an unexpected encounter changes the course of their lives. It blends meticulous historical research with the myths and legends woven into the Irish landscape..

Our Books Editor, Zoe West, sat down with Maggie O'Farrell to discuss the real family history that inspired Land, her lifelong fascination with Irish mythology, and why the landscape itself became one of the novel's most compelling characters. She also reflects on the extraordinary journey of Hamnet from page to screen and what it was like watching one of her most beloved stories take on a new life.

In conversation with Maggie O'Farrell...

For Maggie O’Farrell, stories have always been rooted in the places and people that came before us. The inspiration for her latest novel, Land, began with a family story: that one of her ancestors worked on the early mapping of Ireland.

“That ancestor was my great-great-grandfather, who Tomás is based on,” she explains. Researching him, however, proved challenging. As an Irish labourer, his contribution was rarely recorded in full. “Irish labourers couldn’t sign their work, so his name appears only briefly.”

Slowly, O’Farrell began piecing together fragments of his life. She discovered books, notebooks and field notes that she believes belonged to him, before an unexpected discovery brought the research even closer to home. “I spent years searching in Ireland, only to realise that much of his signed work from Scotland was just a mile from my house. It was extraordinary.” Combining these historical details with imagination, she began building the story around them. “In the end, it turns out, the myth was true.”

Fascination with the space between fact and folklore has long been central to O’Farrell’s writing. Although she was born in Ireland and left when she was just two years old, Irish mythology remains a powerful part of her identity. “At the time, it was frustrating, but now I’m grateful — it shaped my storytelling DNA.”

In Land, the storytelling influence can be felt through the voice of the landscape itself. Irish mythology is filled with a deep connection to the natural world: trees that speak, stones with their own consciousness, and legends of people becoming part of the land. O’Farrell wanted to capture that feeling in the novel. “I wanted that sense of the land’s voice in my book.”

The historical backdrop of Land also came from her research into her ancestor’s work with the Ordnance Survey. Discovering that Tomás began mapping Ireland in the late 1840s and revising maps throughout the 1850s gave O’Farrell a striking starting point: a man attempting to document a country still devastated by the effects of the Great Hunger.

“I tried to imagine altering maps while whole villages had disappeared, a million people had died and another million had emigrated,” she says. The changing landscape, particularly in the west of Ireland, and the responsibility of recording those changes became the foundation of the novel.

Ireland’s rich tradition of storytelling also runs through Land, from its myths and legends to its relationship with nature. Bran, the loyal dog in the novel, takes inspiration from the legend of Fionn MacCumhaill, while symbols from Irish folklore — including fish, sacred wells and ancient landscapes — helped shape the world of the book. “I’m fascinated by this mix of sacred, pagan and religious layers shaping Ireland’s mythology and identity,” O’Farrell says.

Of course, the last few years have also seen O’Farrell experience a very different kind of storytelling journey, with the adaptation of her acclaimed novel Hamnet into film. With the movie earning Oscar and BAFTA nominations for its screenplay, she describes the experience as “surreal and fun”.

Despite the scale of the project, O’Farrell admits she approached it cautiously. “I’ve seen many writer friends have their books optioned and almost happen, but then not,” she says. She never expected it to become reality, until the first day of filming.

Standing in the middle of the transformed village of Weobley in Herefordshire, surrounded by Tudor houses dressed for the production, she finally allowed herself to believe it was happening. “My husband asked, ‘Do you admit now that it’s happening?’ I looked around and realised, yes, it really is happening.”

The film, starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal and directed by Chloé Zhao, feels to O’Farrell less like a recreation of the book and more like a companion piece. “It sits alongside it rather than replicating it,” she says, adding that she was lucky to work with such a talented team.

Would she return to screenwriting? Possibly, but only with the right story and collaborators. “Any future project would have to be with the right people, those whose vision you share and whom you trust creatively.”

For now, O’Farrell’s focus returns to the page, where history, memory and imagination continue to intertwine. With Land, she has once again transformed a personal connection into something universal: a story about family, belonging and the echoes that remain long after the past has been written.

If you like Land, try these....

Maggie O'Farrell's new novel Land is already a fast favourite of the woman&home team's. If you've read it and loved it, or want to add to your TBR list, these three are similar books that we think you'll love.

This certainly isn’t the last we’ve heard from O’Farrell and her creative genius. Each of her novels offers something distinct, yet every one is equally profound, showcasing her remarkable ability to explore the complexities of human experience with honesty, imagination and compassion. Land is a true literary treat for 2026, a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking read that cements O’Farrell’s place as one of the most compelling storytellers of our time. It is, without doubt, one of the best books of the year.

Whether you’re reading in the garden, packing a novel for a holiday getaway or listening while out on a summer walk, there are plenty of brilliant new books to add to your reading list this July. From thought-provoking literary fiction to gripping thrillers and escapist summer stories, these are the new books that deserve a spot on your bedside table.

Aside from reading the winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, July is the perfect time to discover the latest releases from some of today’s most exciting authors. This month’s picks span sweeping historical dramas, emotional family sagas and page-turning mysteries, offering something for every kind of reader.

And if you prefer to enjoy your stories hands-free, we’ve also rounded up some of the best audiobooks to listen to this summer. Whether you’re commuting, travelling or simply relaxing at home, these captivating new releases make it easy to get lost in a great story wherever you are.

Best books to read in July

Best audiobooks to listen to in July

Whether you’re searching for your next holiday read, a gripping thriller to keep you turning the pages late into the night, or a captivating audiobook to enjoy on the go, there’s no shortage of brilliant stories to discover this July. From powerful new releases to immersive listens, this month’s picks offer the perfect excuse to carve out a little more time for reading.

So, settle into a sunny spot, make a cup of tea or pop on your headphones, and let these unforgettable stories transport you somewhere new. With so many exciting books and audiobooks to choose from, your next favourite read could be just a page, or button, away.

I have had my old Amazon Kindle since forever. I actually kind of loved that it was ancient, basic, and gloriously old-school – a truly reliable gadget you never even think about replacing until suddenly it’s worthy of a spot on the Antiques Roadshow. When I discovered that older models like mine would no longer be supported with modern software updates, I had to face facts. It was finally time to upgrade my Kindle.

While researching the best Kindles to understand my options, I found myself completely enthralled by the features of the new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. I am a total sucker for Kindle book deals and have an obsessive reading habit. I'm also constantly glued to the Notes app on my smartphone, and I run my life via a collection of precious paper notebooks that I am forever losing around the house. Could a single device really pull my chaotic notes, piles of notebooks, and tower of books into one organised space? It sounded genuinely revolutionary.

I was lucky; Amazon kindly sent me a review unit to try out so I could see whether it really could combine all three habits into one. Conveniently, if you are looking to make the same jump right now, Amazon has just slashed its price for the active Prime Day sales event. Here is how it handled my daily routine when put to the test...

Specifications

• Screen: 11-inch paper-like, glare-free display
• Resolution: 300 ppi for crisp black-and-white text / 150 ppi for soft, pastel colour
• Colour Capability: View and annotate content in up to 4,096 colours
• Writing Latency: Ultra-low 12ms (meaning the ink feels instantaneous)
• Storage: 32GB capacity (ample room for thousands of books and notes)
• Battery: Up to 8 weeks for reading (approx. 2 weeks with daily heavy writing)
• Connectivity: USB-C charging, Wifi, and Bluetooth for wireless headphones
• Accessories: Amazon Premium Pen (never needs charging)
• Waterproofing: None – keep it well away from the bath or pool

Design

One of the biggest surprises when you pull this 11-inch device out of the box is how light it feels in your hands. Yes, it's big. But I carried it around in my bag all day long while waiting between hospital appointments, and I never once felt like I was lugging something heavy around with me. It's actually very similar in size to an average hardcover book, but so much thinner and lighter. I'd choose this over a hardback and my notebook any day.

Very quickly, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft became a natural part of my daily routine: reading in bed, scribbling quick lists without social media or work notifications interrupting me, and keeping my entire life organised in one place. Best of all, the battery life is measured in weeks, not days. That alone is almost worth the price tag.

However, keeping my new device to myself has proved impossible. Within 24 hours of unboxing it, my daughter and her friends completely hijacked it, losing hours to doodling and sketching with the new colour-palette features. Then, my 21-year-old son popped home from university for a quick visit and instantly remarked on how 'clean' the digital notebook interface was for importing lecture documents. It hasn't been seen since he left to head back to his student accommodation. I am equal parts heartbroken – I had just really started to fall in love with it – and delighted that he's found a device that seems to inspire him to knuckle down for exam season.

What's it like to use?

If you’re coming from a tiny, outdated Kindle model, this screen feels like a massive revelation. The 11-inch glare-free panel is incredibly easy on the eyes, making it ideal for deep, late-night reading sessions without the usual eye fatigue.

I’ve been reading (and listening to) Ann Patchett's Tom Lake, and this is where the upgraded hardware really clicked. Being able to seamlessly switch between reading text and listening to the audiobook via Bluetooth headphones makes the entire story feel completely flexible and immersive.

What does 'Colorsoft' actually add?

Do not expect an iPad-level glowing screen. The color display here is intentionally subtle and muted, but that completely suits the gentle, paper-like aesthetic of a Kindle. Where it works best is adding a pop of functional joy to your routine:

Highlighting research, manuscript notes, or text snippets in distinct, separate colors.

Navigating illustrated lifestyle content, travel guides, and cookbooks.

Reviewing full-color book covers in your personal library layout.

Writing and journaling: Can it replace your notebook?

This is the exact feature that sets the Scribe apart from standard e-readers. I’m currently trying to write a novel, and being able to annotate my manuscript directly on the display has made a noticeable difference to my weekly word count and overall productivity.

There’s something unique about marking up your work—even digitally—that helps you think more clearly about edits. Reviewing and revising text on the Scribe feels more intentional than typing away on a laptop keyboard; it brings me back to how I’d work on real paper. Beyond drafting, it has completely taken over my daily to-do lists, evening journaling, and messy brainstorming sessions.

Amazon includes their Premium Pen right in the box, and it's a massive selling point: it utilizes passive tech so it never needs to be plugged in or charged, features a customizable shortcut button, and has a top-end dome that acts as a natural physical eraser.

The Niche: It sits perfectly in the middle of your tech tools. It is infinitely more focused than your phone, more organized than loose sheets of paper, yet retains that tactile, deliberate flow of a pen.

Verdict: Is it worth it?

A thousand times, yes.

Now. If you just want to read standard fiction novels before bed, you should probably save your money – the standard, budget-friendly Kindle Paperwhite is still the better value for simple text.

But if you are facing a sunsetting old device, read regularly, write or journal often, and want a beautiful, distraction-free way to reduce your daily phone screen time (or need a premium study tool to tempt your university student into studying), the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is a genuinely useful, utterly enjoyable compromise. It hasn't completely replaced my paper notebooks – and I don't think anything ever will – but it has come closer than any other piece of technology I’ve ever tried.

This isn't a flawless device. The biggest downside? Out of the box, it instantly needs a protective cover – and the official Amazon cases are priced at over £100, which feels like a lot to shell out on top of an already very expensive, luxury piece of hardware.

Additionally – and crucially if you plan to travel with it or take it on holiday – the Scribe Colorsoft does not have a waterproof rating. Unlike the smaller Kindle Paperwhite models, this massive tablet cannot handle a drop into the pool or a splash by the sea, so you will want to keep it safely tucked inside your bag away from the water.

How does it compare?

How we test e-Readers & digital notebooks

Our team puts every digital notebook through rigorous real-world testing. We don't just test them at an office desk; we take them on our daily commutes, sketch with them outdoors in direct sunlight, and use them for extensive evening journaling sessions to evaluate screen glare, pen latency, palm rejection accuracy, cloud integration with Google Drive/OneDrive, and true battery longevity over several weeks of heavy usage.

If you've been eyeing up a Kindle but wish it offered a little more freedom, the BOOX Go series is, almost certainly, exactly what you're looking for. It delivers everything most readers love about Amazon's eReaders: a crisp, paper-like display, weeks-long battery life, and distraction-free reading experience. However, you also get the bonus of more flexibility in terms of what you can download and how. Most notably, it brings back physical page-turn buttons, a feature readers (especially me) have missed ever since the Kindle Oasis disappeared from shelves.

What makes the BOOX Go stand out against the best Kindles is how effortlessly it adapts to different reading styles. Its ergonomic, palm-shaped design sits comfortably in one hand, making it ideal for reading on the sofa, commuting, or winding down in bed. The customisable front light lets you tweak both brightness and warmth to create a softer, more comfortable reading experience, whether you're enjoying a beach read in bright daylight or settling into a novel before sleep. Better still, you're not tied to a single bookstore for finding all your best reads of the month. Alongside your own EPUB library, you can download reading apps from multiple retailers, giving you access to a far wider range of books and subscriptions than a Kindle alone.

Yet the BOOX Go isn't just an eReader. You can organise books into shelves and folders, track your reading habits with detailed graphs, switch into a dedicated notes mode when inspiration strikes, and even hand it over to younger readers thanks to its built-in Kids Mode. Last year, I tried swapping my Kindle for a Kobo and this year, I've braved the BOOX. Does this prove that there's life beyond the Kindle?

BOOX Go eReader Colour Gen 2 review

• RRP: £269.99
• Screen size: 7 inches
• Display resolution: 300 dpi in Black 150 dpi in Color
• Operating system: Android
• Front light: TM (Warm and Cold) G-sensor for Auto Rotation
• Document formats: PDF, CAJ, DJVU, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, EPUB3, AZW3, MOBI, TXT, DOC, DOCX, FB2, CHM, RTF, HTML, ZIP, PRC, PPT, PPTX Image Formats: PNG, JPG, BMP, TIFF Audio Formats: WAV, MP3 Supports 3rd-party apps
• Charging port: USB-C
• Memory storage: 64 GB

Who would the BOOX Go Colour Gen 2 eReader suit?

The BOOX Go won't be the right eReader for everyone, but that's exactly what makes it so appealing. If you're perfectly happy buying all your books from Amazon and never venturing outside the Kindle ecosystem, a Kindle Paperwhite will probably do everything you need. However, if you've ever been frustrated by Amazon's limitations or wished your eReader could do a little more, the BOOX Go should absolutely have a spot on your shelf.

I think this will particularly appeal to avid readers who borrow books from different sources, buy from multiple bookshops, and have accumulated a library of EPUB files over the years. I loved not feeling tied to a single retailer. Instead, I could access my existing collection and download reading apps from various stores, giving me far more flexibility than a Kindle offers.

It's also an excellent option for anyone still mourning the loss of the Kindle Oasis. As someone who reads one-handed while curled up on the sofa, walking on a treadmill, or balancing a cup of tea in the other hand, I really appreciated having physical page-turn buttons again. It's a small feature, once adored on the Kindle Oasis, so has a bit of a cul following.

Parents will appreciate the Kids Mode, while readers who like to annotate, jot down ideas, or keep track of their reading habits will enjoy the extra productivity features. Ultimately, this is an eReader for people who love reading enough to want a device that works around their habits rather than forcing them into a particular ecosystem.

What is the BOOX Go Colour Gen 2 eReader like to use?

From the moment I picked up the BOOX Go, it felt noticeably different to most eReaders I've tested. The asymmetrical, palm-shaped design isn't just there for aesthetics; it makes the device easier to hold. The wider grip section sits comfortably in your hand, while the screen remains balanced, so your wrist doesn't feel strained during longer reading sessions.

That design works brilliantly alongside the physical page-turn buttons. I hadn't realised how much I missed them until I started using the BOOX Go. Whether I was reading in bed, lounging on the sofa, or squeezing in a few chapters during my commute, being able to turn pages without constantly reaching for the touchscreen made the whole experience feel more natural and immersive.

Despite offering considerably more functionality than a Kindle, the BOOX Go never felt intimidating to navigate. The bottom navigation bar keeps everything within easy reach, with dedicated sections for your library, the app store, storage, apps, and settings. Within a few minutes, I felt comfortable moving between books, downloading apps, and customising the reading experience.

Organisation is another area where the BOOX Go excels. I was able to create bookshelves and folders to keep my growing library tidy, which is particularly useful if, like me, your reading tastes jump between contemporary fiction, cookbooks, biographies, and professional reading. Instead of endlessly scrolling through a long list of titles, everything can sta neatly organised and easy to find.

Features and functions on the BOOX Go Colour Gen 2 eReader

One of the biggest advantages of the BOOX Go is that it feels far more versatile than a traditional eReader. At its core, it's still designed around reading, but there are countless ways to tailor the experience to suit your preferences.

The library section acts as the central hub for your books, whether you've purchased them through an app, downloaded them from another retailer, or transferred EPUB files directly onto the device. I particularly liked how easy it was to manage books from different sources without feeling locked into a single platform.

For readers who enjoy tracking their habits, the BOOX Go includes detailed reading statistics and graphs that show your progress over time. It's a feature that I didn't think I'd care about, but I quickly found myself checking how many hours I'd spent reading each week, celebrating my progress through longer books, and getting competitive with myself.

The front light is also impressively customisable. Beyond simple brightness controls, you can adjust the warmth of the light to create a softer, more comfortable reading experience. I often found myself dialling down the brightness and increasing the warmth before bed, creating a gentler glow that felt much kinder on tired eyes.

It’s also worth noting that this comes with a colour screen, so you don’t need to compromise on your reading. For the average paperback peruser, a colour screen just means seeing the cover in its original form. However, if you read non-fiction, cookbooks, gardening books, and any magazines, having a colour screen brings the e-reader to life. It definitely comes closer to bridging the gap between books and e-readers.

Beyond reading, the BOOX Go offers a suite of apps and tools that make it feel closer to a lightweight productivity device. Pre-installed apps include Dropbox, a dictionary, calendar, calculator, clock, recorder, browser, music player, gallery, and AI assistant. There's also access to the Google Play Store, opening up a huge range of additional reading and productivity apps.

I particularly liked the Quick Notes feature, which makes it easy to capture thoughts, shopping lists, reading notes, or ideas without reaching for another device. Combined with the Kids Mode and extensive customisation options, the BOOX Go manages to feel useful far beyond simply reading books.

Battery and display on the BOOX Go Colour Gen 2 eReader

The screen is one of the areas where the BOOX Go really shines. Text looks wonderfully crisp and sharp, with that paper-like quality that makes dedicated eReaders so much more comfortable to use than phones or tablets. Even after several hours of reading, I experienced none of the eye fatigue that often accompanies brighter LCD displays.

Colour performance is equally impressive. While it's not intended to completely compete with a tablet, illustrations, book covers, magazines, and graphic novels all look vibrant enough to add another dimension to the reading experience. The colours appear natural rather than oversaturated, which suits the e-ink display perfectly.

I also appreciated just how customisable the screen felt. The adjustable front light allows you to fine-tune both brightness and warmth, while the softer light settings create a calming atmosphere for bedtime reading. It's a small touch, but one that makes the BOOX Go feel particularly thoughtful for readers who enjoy unwinding with a book at the end of the day.

Battery life is another major strength. Throughout testing, I found myself charging the BOOX Go remarkably infrequently. Even with regular reading sessions, experimenting with apps, and using the front light, the battery seemed to drain at a reassuringly slow pace. Unlike a phone or tablet, which often requires daily charging, this is a device you can happily take away for a weekend or holiday without packing the charger.

How does the BOOX Go eReader Colour Gen 2 compare?

The BOOX Go occupies an interesting space in the eReader market because it doesn't try to beat Kindle at being a Kindle. Instead, it offers an alternative vision of what an eReader can be.

Compared with the Kindle Paperwhite, the BOOX Go provides considerably more freedom. You're not restricted to Amazon's bookshop, you can download apps through the Google Play Store, and physical page-turn buttons make one-handed reading much easier. Readers with existing EPUB libraries will also appreciate how straightforward it is to access books from multiple sources.

Where Kindle still has the advantage is simplicity. Amazon's setup process is incredibly streamlined, and if you already buy all your books through Amazon, everything works seamlessly from the moment you switch the device on. The BOOX Go asks a little more of its users initially, simply because there are more options to explore and customise.

That said, I never found the extra complexity overwhelming. In fact, once I'd spent a little time familiarising myself with the menus and settings, I preferred having the additional flexibility. The BOOX Go feels less restrictive and more adaptable, particularly for readers who don't want one company dictating where they buy their books.

Should you buy the BOOX Go Colour Gen 2 eReader?

If you're looking for the simplest possible eReader and already live comfortably within Amazon's ecosystem, a Kindle will still be the easiest choice. But if you've ever wished your eReader offered more flexibility, more customisation, and more freedom over where you get your books, the BOOX Go is a genuinely compelling alternative.

After testing it, what impressed me most wasn't any single feature but how thoughtfully everything works together. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, the page-turn buttons make reading more enjoyable, the screen is crisp and customisable, and the ability to access multiple bookstores removes many of the frustrations I've experienced with more restrictive devices.

For keen readers, former Kindle Oasis devotees, and anyone who values choice over convenience, the BOOX Go strikes a rare balance between dedicated reading device and everyday companion. It's versatile without being distracting, powerful without feeling complicated, and proof that there's life beyond Kindle.

How we test eReaders

At woman&home, we're a bunch of bookworms, which means we love testing, talking, and reading everything that we can. We started off testing Kindles when they were brand new and a real novelty. Since then, we've seen them grow into tablets, we've seen older models retire, and competitors to Amazon's own brand rise up in the ranks.

How we test each e-reader is really simple. One of our book worms (usually me), lives with the e-reader for months. In that time, it comes on commutes, long weekends, and always at least one holiday, so you get a good gauge of battery life, how it fares in an airport, and whether it's handbag friendly. From there, we can cover what it's like to read from in the sun, snuggle up in bed with, and make notes all over. Extra features are always put to the test, as are the basics. We like to make sure we cover every avenue before presenting you with a review, but if you still have questions, don't hesitate to email me.

Whilst everyone might be talking about the World Cup, we've had our eyes on a very different competition. On Thursday evening, despite a little wind and rain, spirits were anything but damp at London’s Bedford Square Gardens, as the literary world gathered to mark a milestone moment: the 30th anniversary of the Women’s Prize for Fiction.

The atmosphere was buoyant throughout the night, with guests celebrating three decades of championing women’s voices in literature. But amid the celebrations, it was Virginia Evans who took centre stage, crowned this year’s Fiction Prize winner for her novel The Correspondent.

The epistolary novel, a favourite amongst the woman&home team, tells the story of a 73 year old woman. Reflecting and ruminating on her past, Sybil Van Antwerp's letters bring long-buried regrets and secrets back to the front of her mind with warmth and originality. But what else was on the shortlist? And could they be the books you should be reading this month?

Women's Prize Winners for Fiction and Non-Fiction

Author of The Correspondent, Virginia Evans, was met with warm applause. Her speech was an emotional reflection on what reading has meant to her life. Speaking to guests, Evans described books as a constant companion since childhood.

“Ever since I was a child I found my greatest comfort in books,” she said. “I am here where I am bound to my body, but here is the secret, I am also somewhere else… I am a reader, which means I have never been bored.”

She added: “I have always known this is what I was made for: books and fiction. It is one of the greatest gifts of my life.”

The judges praised The Correspondent as “exemplary”, recognising Evans’ novel for its emotional depth and originality. Told through letters written by a 73-year-old protagonist, the book explores memory, regret and the quiet weight of a life lived in full.

The evening also reflected on the Women's Prize’s wider legacy. Former Australian Prime Minister and this year’s chair of judges, Julia Gillard, used her speech to highlight the enduring importance of storytelling in an increasingly technological world.

“AI can cannibalise text,” she said, “but it is only human beings who can imagine our way into being someone else: a person who lives in a different time and place, who thinks and feels in a way contrary to our own.”

Her comments underscored a broader theme running through the evening: the enduring power of human voice, imagination and empathy in fiction.

The £30,000 prize, awarded annually to a female author of any nationality, has long been a key fixture in the literary calendar. This year’s shortlist reflected both emerging and established talent, with four of the six fiction nominees appearing on the Women’s Prize shortlist for the first time.

Gillard described the judging process as one led first and foremost by reading. “As judges, we are first and foremost readers,” she said. “These novels intrigued and profoundly moved us. The plot lines kept us turning pages to find out what happens next, the characters found a place in our hearts and the stories stayed with us long after the last sentence.”

Alongside Evans’ winning novel, the shortlist showcased a wide range of themes and settings:

The evening also celebrated the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction, awarded to Lyse Doucet for The Finest Hotel in Kabul, described by judges as a “perfect work of narrative non-fiction”.

The shortlist featured a broad range of subjects, from art and health to conflict and identity, including Art Cure by Daisy Fancourt, Artists, Siblings, Visionaries by Judith Mackrell, Hotel Exile by Jane Rogoyska, Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy, and Nation of Strangers by Ece Temelkuran.

As the 30th anniversary celebrations made clear, the Women’s Prize continues to be both a spotlight for extraordinary fiction and a reminder of why stories, in all their forms, still matter.

“There are so many stories that end with happily ever after, and I just thought, but what about after that?” says Hannah Luckett, author of one of my favourite books this year. Her debut explores what happens when Ava’s romantic ending is abruptly cut short, forcing her out of grief and back into romantic rural France.

We were lucky enough to sit down with Hannah to hear more about the book, her writing process, and what else is in the pipeline for this brilliant new author.

Fans of Emily Henry and other feel-good, character-led romances, get your sunglasses on and a glass of wine ready. After Ever After is one of the best reads of the month. You won’t want to put it down.

After Ever After by Hannah Luckett

As we get into the interview with Hannah, be prepared for some spoilers. If you’re yet to read the book, I suggest you keep this tab open and come back once you’ve been whisked off to France.

What was the writing process for After Ever After like?

Every writer has their own process, and I think you’ll fall in love with Hannah’s. Hers begins in a very romantic, almost cinematic way. “I used to go to Monpazier because it’s where my family lived. I loved the area and it’s always been a special place for me. I’d take friends, boyfriends, family there, and I don’t think many people know about it,” she says.

The book really started, she admits, in a café in a square in Monpazier. “A handsome waiter smiled at me and I just knew that had to be Etienne. In that moment, I could imagine why someone would up and leave everything behind to live a life like that.”

Over the next ten years, the novel evolved through many twists and turns, incorporating grief and loss into a beautiful second-chance romance. “There are so many people who find themselves single when they’re a little bit older and think they won’t love again, but I’ve seen their happiness and I love that. I wanted Ava’s second chance not just to be a deeper, more healthy love, because you want different things when you’re older, but also an opportunity for her to find herself and her strength in a new way.”

What changed over the writing process for After Ever After?

One of the biggest changes Hannah highlights is the introduction of a character readers may already recognise and grow to love: The American.

Inspired by larger-than-life figures like Iris Apfel, this unnamed character acts as a kind of “20/20 hindsight” voice in the story, offering blunt, no-nonsense guidance that Ava doesn’t yet have for herself. Despite arriving later in the drafting process, Luckett says she quickly became indispensable.

“People are always surprised she came later, because she’s such an important part of the book,” she says. “She’s funny and a great touchstone for Ava to bounce off. I didn’t have a name for her for a long time, and I thought my editor would tell me to stop being silly, but they loved it too. It became a fun in-joke we all shared.”

Hannah also reveals a deeper, more personal connection between herself and Ava in the writing process itself. “This came a bit later,” she explains. “I needed a reason for Ava to go and process what she was feeling, and it made sense. I’d been reading grief journeys on Instagram and was so struck by how raw and vulnerable people are on them. I knew it had to go into the book.”

That shared thread even shaped how she worked. “It also meant that if I had writer’s block, I’d do what Ava would do and vice versa. It felt like we were writing together, like I had someone in the trenches with me.”

Hannah, very modestly, adds that much of the first draft was written in snatched moments while her newborn slept.

Do you have a favourite part of After Ever After?

Hannah explains that she was initially nervous to write about a setting that was so personal to her, but readers have been really supportive. "I wanted to capture the charm of the French lifestyle and the way in which it's special and different to places like Bordeaux and, so far, the readers have said that I do!"

You're bound to love all the book, but we all have our favourite parts. While Hannah says it was incredibly special to recreate the beauty of Monpazier for readers, two scenes stand out above the rest.

“One of my favourites is when she’s in Fabian’s house, seeing his art,” she says. “It had so many different forms, and she was there for different reasons, but that moment felt perfect.”

The scene clearly stayed with her through multiple drafts, particularly the moment in Florian’s studio where Ava sees his striking sculpture. It's an anchor point in the story that never quite changed.

Her second favourite unfolds by the river, in what she describes as a “fake beach” inspired by Castillonnès. “I loved bringing the four characters together and the tension of the love triangle,” she adds, drawn to the charged dynamic between Archie and Florian.

We love your book, but which books do you love?

Hannah is full of recommendations, and happily, they’re all perfect for readers who love After Ever After.

Ultimately, this may be Hannah’s first novel, but it already reads like the beginning of something much bigger: the first chapter, rather than the final word.

She’s hinted that more books in a similar vein are on the horizon, so consider this your invitation to treat the wait as the literary equivalent of a long French summer: slow, sun-soaked, and savoured.

And if this debut is anything to go by, good things don’t just come to those who wait they arrive à point, like a perfectly timed verre de rosé.

If you're fresh out of books and looking for a new read to see you through the weekend, you're in luck. Our Books Editor, Zoe West's, book of the month is all everyone is talking about. And it's soon to be the book you won't be able to forget. Let us introduce you to Five by Ilona Bannister.

It won't take you more than one line to be hooked on Five. The story, a tense moral experiment, introduces you to five people standing on a train platform, whilst the narrator promises you that just one of them will be dead in a matter of minutes when the commuter train to London arrives on its morning route.

The rest of the book is an almost unbearably tense countdown, minute by minute. Ilona Bannister's unique narrator makes us not only become complicit in the outcome, but weigh up each character morally, choosing who we would rather die. It sounds grim, and there's no escaping that it is. But it's also gripping. I defy you not to devour it in one weekend and declare it one of the most unforgettable reads of the year.

Zoe's Book of the Month: Five by Ilona Bannister

Zoe's quick sell on why it's her book of the month: Propulsive from the start, this gripping drama proves almost impossible to put down. We are quickly invested in five, vividly drawn strangers gathered on a suburban platform at 7.01am with minutes until the 7.06 train to London Victoria arrives - and the chilling promise that one of them will die. As a child, a mother, a businessman, an elderly woman and a gambler reveal their tangled histories, tension mounts. Nine character study than straightforward thriller, it's an original conversation-starting choice that's perfect for book clubs.

There are countless reasons to love Five, but one of the most striking is the narrator's habit of breaking the fourth wall. Throughout the novel, they address the reader directly, even acknowledging that this might well be your book club pick (they knew exactly what they were doing). The narrator anticipates our judgements, questions, hopes, and assumptions, creating an unusually intimate reading experience.

It's a storytelling device that feels both compelling and slightly unsettling. Rather than simply observing events unfold, you're drawn into them, challenged by them, and occasionally forced to examine your own reactions. Long after you've turned the final page, you'll likely find yourself questioning what you believed, who you trusted, and whether the ending meant what you first thought it did.

You'll undoubtedly have your own theories, frustrations, and interpretations, so here are some questions to spark discussion as you read.

What to think about while reading Five

The first question we all asked each other was: who did you hope would be the one on the tracks when the train came? It's a horrible question to hear and discuss, but with the inevitable outcome further down the line (pardon the pun), we all have to pick the people we want (and perhaps think deserve) to be saved more than others. I won't give the game away with who I was hoping, but it's who the narrator suggests you hope for at the end.

Do your opinions of the characters change as the story progresses?
Each chapter delves into more details about the five on the platform. In some instances, the more you know, the more you care about the characters. In others, the more you know, the more you wish you didn't know. Each person will sympathise with central characters differently, but was their one you cared about the most at the end.

The novel explores motherhood in several different forms. Which portrayal of motherhood did you find most compelling or challenging?
Motherhood sits at the heart of Five, but not always in the way you might expect. Rather than presenting a single idealised version, the novel explores mothers who are loving, flawed, self-sacrificing, resentful, and protective. This question sparked some of our most interesting conversations because it forced us to consider how much we expect from mothers and whether we're harsher in our judgement of them than we are of other characters. Which mother's choices did you understand, even if you didn't agree with them?

How did the structure of the novel affect your reading experience? Did the pacing or unfolding revelations work for you?
One of the reasons Five is so compulsive is that it doles out information with exquisite restraint. Each chapter reveals just enough to make you rethink what you thought you knew, and more than once I found myself revising my predictions entirely. The structure mirrors the novel's central question: how can we decide who matters most when we only know part of the story? Did the gradual revelations keep you hooked, or did you find yourself impatient to get back to the platform?

The title Five carries symbolic weight throughout the novel. What do you think it ultimately represents?
On the surface, the title refers to the five people standing on the platform, but by the end of the novel it feels as though it means much more than that. Not only does it also represent the five minutes that we have until the train arrives, the number becomes a shorthand for chance, consequence, and the impossible choices that shape our lives. We spent a surprisingly long time discussing this one in my book club. Is Five simply a reference to the central dilemma, or is it a reminder that every person carries an entire world of stories, relationships, and possibilities within them?

Were there moments where you felt frustrated by the characters' decisions? Did those frustrations make the story more believable?
If you made it through Five without wanting to shake at least one character, you're a more patient reader than I am. Several of the novel's biggest emotional moments hinge on decisions that are messy, impulsive, or difficult to understand from the outside. Yet that's also what makes the characters feel real. People rarely make perfect choices, especially when they're scared, grieving, or desperate. Which decision frustrated you most, and could you imagine yourself acting differently in the same situation?

Did you feel the novel had a clear “villain,” or is it more interested in moral complexity?
One of the cleverest things about Five is how reluctant it is to sort its characters neatly into heroes and villains. Just when you think you've decided who deserves your sympathy and who doesn't, the novel complicates matters. Everyone has reasons for behaving the way they do, even when those reasons don't excuse their actions. By the end, did you think the book was asking readers to judge its characters, or to understand them?

If the novel were adapted for television, which scenes or themes do you think would translate especially well onscreen?
It's impossible to read Five without imagining it as a prestige television drama. The central premise is inherently cinematic, but so much of the novel's power comes from the emotional tension beneath the surface: the secrets, regrets, and private motivations that slowly come to light. Which moments could you picture most vividly? And would a screen adaptation enhance the story, or lose some of the intimacy created by the narrator speaking directly to the reader?

What emotions did the ending leave you with? Did it feel satisfying, ambiguous, hopeful, or devastating?

The ending is the question that lingered after our discussion finished. It will change depending on which character you were most invested in and what you hoped would happen. Some readers will find it devastating, others oddly hopeful, and many will probably feel both at once. After spending an entire novel weighing lives against one another, what did the final pages leave you feeling, and did your reaction surprise you?

The woman&home team have five down as our favourite book of the year so far and, even if you're not into psychological thrillers, its sheer uniqueness will stay with you. So, grab a glass, get comfortable, and enjoy your weekend reading. I can't wait to hear what you think.

Few writers have captured the intricacies of everyday life quite like Anne Tyler. With a career spanning decades and 25 novels, she has become a master of exploring family, marriage. From her Pulitzer Prize-winning Breathing Lessons to the much-loved The Accidental Tourist, Tyler’s work has earned both critical acclaim and a deeply devoted readership.

Her latest novel, Three Days in June, is no exception. Set on the three days surrounding Gail's daughter’s wedding, the novel unravels the tensions, tenderness, and long-held secrets that exist within families, offering a story that is as humorous as it is profound. It’s already a must-read book for this month and a reminder of Tyler’s rare ability to find extraordinary meanings in the ordinary

We were lucky enough to sit down with her to talk about the new book, her writing life, and the stories that have stayed with her. Our books editor, Zoe West, asked all the questions you’ll want answered.

Tell us a little bit more about Three Days In June...

Anne Tyler has always had a gift for distilling big emotions into small, contained moments and Three Days in June is perhaps her most precise expression of that yet. Set across just a few days surrounding a wedding, the novel unfolds in a tightly held timeframe, something Tyler admits she relished. She’s long been drawn to the challenge of compression, even musing that she’d love to one day write a novel that takes place over the course of a single hour. Here, that instinct serves the story beautifully, allowing every glance, silence, and misstep to carry weight.

Tyler explains an instrumental conversation in shaping part of the conception of Three Days In June. " I invited a neighbour over for coffee. I served it and brought out the cream and sugar. She said, "Oh, I should have told you, you didn't have to bring out cream. I don't have cream." And I thought, "well, I do!"" Tyler elaborates on how she " found it fascinating that she thought I shouldn't have brought cream if she wasn't going to use it. That moment stuck with me and revealed, in a way, who my character Gail was." You'll notice the scene depicted in the book too.

At the centre is Gail, the mother of the bride who is reserved, observant, and, in Tyler’s words, someone who “misses so many clues.” Tyler is quick to say "I'm happy to say I am not like Gail, the mother of the bride, but I enjoyed being her." She adds "my characters surprise me. They'll say something and I think, "Oh, that's who she is," Gail says to us, "I'm not the kind of person who dreams of doing things." And she isn't talkative, which is why this book couldn't be over many years."

You can tell from the way that Tyler talks about Gail that she delights in writing her. As with many of her characters, Gail reveals herself gradually, through unexpected lines of dialogue and contradictions. She’s not someone articulates her feelings easily, which is precisely what makes her so compelling. Opposite her is Max, her ex-husband, a character Tyler describes with real affection, as she explains that he "is very dear to my heart." His presence adds a layer of emotional complexity that keeps the novel delicately poised and his relationship to Gail forms the "pivotal moment" in the book, as Tyler describes it.

Tyler admits she didn’t know how the story would end as she was writing it. She even confesses that "the book could have gone two ways." What anchors it, though, is a recurring idea she’s returned to over the years: that who we are with someone can matter more than who that person is. Tyler explains "I have a box of snippets of ideas and conversations. Usually, when I use one, I throw it away, but that idea of who a person is was one I keep returning to in my books...Gail was perfect for Max, but one day she wasn't, and that's what she's dealing with. I like exploring what's happening between people and why they are who they are with each other."

Tell us some more about your writing process...

For Anne Tyler, writing has always begun with the quiet, inescapable tensions of family life. “I’m drawn to writing about families because they can’t easily escape each other,” she explains. “You can leave your partner, but family usually stays. That tension brings out so much in characters and it’s a dynamic I could keep exploring endlessly.” It’s a perspective that has shaped her entire body of work, those intimate, often unspoken dynamics that reveal who we are when we’re most ourselves, and most confined.

That instinct to keep exploring is what continues to bring her back to the page, even now. “I have no hobbies, so I’m writing another book,” she says, wryly. Living in a retirement community, she’s aware of the contrast between her own routine and those around her. “I think that I’m the only one who still ‘goes to work’ every day.” There’s a sense of both discipline and inevitability in the way she describes her process.

And yet, there’s a surprising ambivalence beneath it all. “I don’t think the world needs another one of my books,” she admits, candidly. “Part of me would like to finish this one and put it away. I dislike the exposure.” Reflecting on her long career, she adds, “Sometimes I see the long lists at the front of other authors’ novels, 50 or 60 titles, and feel overwhelmed. Now I’m neatly there myself. I wish I’d written three, one amazing, two okay.” It’s a disarmingly honest glimpse into a writer who, despite decades of success, still approaches her work with humility.

What motivates your writing and keeps you interested?

At the heart of Anne Tyler’s writing is a deep, almost restless curiosity about other people. “I suppose it boils down to why I want to know what it’s like to be someone else,” she reflects. “It’s greed, I suppose. I am me, yet why can’t I be the six other people walking down the street?” It’s this quiet, observant instinct, less about drama, more about interior lives, that has long defined her work, allowing her to slip so convincingly into the minds of her characters.

For Tyler, the fascination isn’t with status or spectacle, but with the subtleties of personality. “What fascinates me is inhabiting someone’s personality, not their role in life,” she explains. It’s a distinction that feels central to her novels, where ordinary people are given extraordinary depth, and where the smallest behaviours can reveal entire emotional worlds. She isn’t interested in the lives we might envy from afar, but in the ones we might overlook entirely.

That perspective is what gives her writing its particular intimacy. “I want to understand what I’m missing by not being that woman,” she says, an idea that speaks to both empathy and imagination in equal measure. It’s not about escape, but about expansion: a way of gently stepping outside herself and into the quiet complexities of others, one character at a time.

What about your reading? Do you have any recommendations?

Anne Tyler’s relationship with reading has shifted over time, shaped, as all reading lives are, by experience and perspective. “I’ve noticed I’ve stopped rereading books I love,” she says. “In recent years, I’ve picked up books that once meant a lot to me, but they just don’t resonate any more.” It’s a quiet but striking admission from a writer so attuned to emotional nuance, that even the most beloved stories can change as we do.

That sense of distance has made her more cautious about returning to old favourites. Reflecting on Pride and Prejudice during Jane Austen's 250th anniversary, she admits, “I told myself, I would never reread Pride and Prejudice, knowing I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. It’s not that it’s a bad book; it just doesn’t mean as much now.” The same goes for The Catcher in the Rye, which she loved in her youth but feels hasn’t quite held its power over time.

And yet, not every book fades. Some, Tyler suggests, retain their magic no matter when you return to them. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn remains, in her words, “one of the best books ever” a reminder that while our tastes may evolve, certain stories continue to meet us exactly where we are.

What's the nicest thing a reader has ever said to you?

This one is easy for Anne to answer and she has a very sweet story. "One man wrote to say he'd named his dog Anne Tyler. Isn't that lovely?" She says, "I wanted to ask what breed it was, but that seemed a little self-indulgent." I'd want to know too.

We know how much woman&home readers love books – the escape they offer, the way they make us feel seen and how they help us better understand the world around us. That’s why we’re launching Reading For All, a special six-month challenge celebrating the joy of reading and encouraging more people to discover the benefits books can bring.

And we’d love you to get involved in a few really simple ways:

• 1) Share a book you love and tell us why it matters – whether it made you laugh, cry, think or simply offered a much-needed escape
• 2) Recommend it to a friend or family member
• 3) Post a photo or video about your favourite book and tag @womanandhome using the hashtag #WHReadingForAll.

We’ll be sharing our favourite recommendations throughout the campaign, because you never know how much joy one book can bring.

Reading For All is part of the government’s National Year of Reading 2026 initiative, which aims to encourage the nation to ‘Go All In’ on reading. Bestselling authors including Richard Osman, Julia Donaldson and Dermot O’Leary are among those supporting the campaign and sharing their own passion for books and storytelling.

Research continues to show that reading is far more than a pastime. Studies reveal it can keep your mind sharp, improve confidence and self-esteem, reduce stress by up to 68%, and even help with sleep and loneliness. Reading to children has also been linked to greater happiness, stronger educational outcomes and increased empathy. Yet despite these benefits, 40% of us haven’t read or listened to a book in the past year.

Throughout the challenge, we’ll set monthly prompts and share inspiration for different types of readers – from time-pressed women to reluctant teens – helping make reading feel fun, accessible, and rewarding.

We’re also delighted to have bestselling author Veronica Henry as our Reading For All ambassador.

‘Reading is a priceless luxury, providing comfort, escape and inspiration wherever you are and whenever you like,’ says Veronica. ‘The only limit is your own imagination.’

So grab a book, share a recommendation, and invite someone else to discover the magic of reading too.

May is the month for long weekends with an e-book, holidays with a suitcase full of paperbacks, and everyday journeys made better with an audiobook. Our shelves are brimming with recommendations, but we’ve narrowed it down to just nine of the very best books to read this month.

As we edge closer to summer, you’ll notice brighter, bolder covers taking over bookshop tables and your online scroll, but it’s not all light reads. There are plenty of gripping thrillers, thought-provoking non-fiction, and standout audiobooks that deserve a place on your list, too.

With the help of Zoe, our books editor, we’ve curated a selection of book club picks and future talking points. These are the titles everyone will be discussing this month. So, make yourself a cup of tea, find a comfortable spot, and settle in.

The best books to read in May - from fiction through to audiobooks

Addictive Audiobooks for your Ears This May

All of these books come highly recommended from the woman&home team. I’ve already speed read and listened to the audiobooks of these nine (and may more that missed the list), so you have my word that they’ll all grip you. However, if you read something worthy of our next roundup or of a shoutout in our book club newsletter, don’t hesitate to email us. I’m a book worm with an insatiable appetite for bookish chat.

There are plenty of reasons why Naomi Alderman will already feel like a familiar name (and voice) to you. Best known for her award-winning novel, The Power, she’s also written sharp, thoughtful forewords for books like The Testaments, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Careless People. Whether she’s writing fiction or cultural commentary, Alderman has a knack for blending wit with insight. She's a voice that you want in your ears as much as on the page.

To mark ten years since The Power was published (and nine since it won the Women’s Prize for Fiction), the novel has been brought to life all over again. With a full-cast re-recording, it’s shaping up to be one of the best audiobooks of the year. We caught up with Alderman to talk about revisiting the story a decade on, what’s changed (and what hasn’t) for women globally, and why audio feels like the perfect format for this electrifying tale.

If you’re on the hunt for the best audiobooks to add to your queue, or simply looking to dive into one of the best feminist novels with a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place. From Alderman’s own recommendations to behind-the-scenes insight, consider this your cue to clear some space on your reading (or listening) list.

The Power by Naomi Alderman Audiobook: everything you need to know

If you’re yet to read The Power, you’re in for a treat. First published a decade ago, it imagines a world where teenage girls develop the ability to generate electric shocks and how that single shift in power ripples across societies, politics, and relationships. What begins as something small and almost curious quickly escalates into a global reckoning. Told through a cast of men and women, it’s a sharp, unsettling, and often darkly funny exploration of what power really does to people.

The novel’s impact didn’t stop on the page. It was adapted into a TV series by Amazon Prime Video, and now, many of that cast, alongside Naomi Alderman herself, have reunited for a full-cast audiobook. When I asked Alderman about the experience, she lit up: “I was so delighted that we got so many people from the TV show back…it was lovely to get all the gang together again.” She even lends her own voice to the narration, adding another layer of intimacy to a story she knows inside out.

That sense of immersion is exactly what makes this version so compelling. “You get all these beautiful performances and they go into you and become a part of you,” she told us. And it’s true. As each voice takes over, you’re pulled into different perspectives, different identities, different versions of power. And while the format might be new, Alderman is clear that the message isn’t outdated.

The Power Audiobook Ten Years After Publication

Even ten years on, Naomi Alderman is clear that The Power hasn’t lost its edge. “It still feels urgent…we still need to talk about these things,” she tells me. And as we get into it, you start to see why the story continues to land with such force.

Alderman describes the novel as working in two distinct halves. The first is almost playful in its provocation. “Come on,” she says, “how much fun would it be… if we, women, could electrocute people fully in the face? Would you not feel much more safe, much more able to live your life, and much more able to ask for what you wanted? Yes.” It’s a question that feels deliberately tempting. You can see how easily readers (or listeners) get swept up in that initial sense of possibility.

But then, she shifts it. And this is where the tone, both in the book and in our conversation, sharpens. “Then, in the second half, we ask: do we think all women are lovely?” she continues. “And if all women are not lovely, then what do we think would really happen?” It’s a reality check that reframes everything that came before it.

She’s candid about how that idea sits in today’s conversations around feminism. “I feel like these days, there is a form of feminism which says women are all great and all men are bad,” she says, before pushing back on it. Women, she argues, are no more inherently good than anyone else: “there are some really nice ones and some really horrible ones… you can’t tell what someone’s personality is like just by knowing what gender they are.” It’s a perspective that feels central to The Power and one that arguably lands even more sharply now than it did a decade ago.

That tension between then and now, fiction and reality, is exactly what makes revisiting the story feel like a wake-up call. Alderman agrees: “It’s only become more timely for me.” As we wrap up, she reflects on how the landscape has shifted since the book first came out. “It’s funny, because in the ten years since, the divisions have only become worse,” she says. “I used to feel that we were all in this together, but now we criticise each other.” And yet, for all that, she still believes in the value of stories like this, if only to remind us that we’re not alone in thinking the way we do.

The Power as an Audiobook

There’s a level of detail in the The Power audiobook that's particularly thoughtful and it shows how much Naomi Alderman cares about the listening experience. In the original text, there are visual elements woven into the narrative, but here, nothing gets lost in translation. She’s adapted those moments using audio description techniques, so you’re never left feeling like you’re missing part of the story.

Alderman explains, “I wrote it as if you are doing an audio-assisted tour for blind and partially sighted people in a museum,” she tells me. It’s a practical choice as much as a creative one, born out of her own frustration with audiobooks that send you elsewhere. “I really hate it when you’re listening and it says to look at a PDF,” she adds. “You think, ‘come on — I’m doing the washing up!’”

That same attention carries through into how she talks about audiobooks more broadly. She’s clearly a genuine fan of the format, and not in a vague, promotional way. “Audiobooks are so lovely to listen to,” she says, brushing aside the old “does it count as reading?” debate with a smile: “there’s a whole question about it, but yes, it absolutely is.” It’s a perspective that's proven in the audiobook production: you can hear how much care has gone into making it work as an audio-first experience.

In fact, the format has always been part of her writing process, whether she realised it or not. “I always hoped to turn it into an audiobook. I’m a very ‘ears’ person,” she explains. She reads everything out loud as a final edit and a way of testing rhythm, clarity, and flow. “You find out whether you’ve got the words right and whether you’ve got the sound right by reading them out loud,” she says, adding that, in a sense, she’s already made an audiobook of every book she’s written. Which makes this full-cast version of The Power a natural final step, or, as she puts it, “the final brick in the wall.”

If you like The Power Audiobook...

Luckily for us, Naomi Alderman is never short of a good recommendation. When we spoke about The Power as an audiobook, the conversation naturally turned to what else she’s listening to.

Over on her Substack, she regularly shares her thoughts, reflections, and the books she keeps coming back to. "I'm an audiobook fiend. I went straight from mum reading me books at bedtime, to getting tapes out of the library, to getting books on CD. I think I joined Audible in 2001."

So, if you’ve finished The Power and aren’t quite ready to leave that world behind, or you’re simply after your next great listen, consider this your shortcut to a Naomi-approved audiobook list.

Naomi couldn't resist two more audiobook recommendations, which aren't science fiction, but which have secured themselves places on her go-to audiobook shelf.

So, if you’re in the mood to inject a little modern science fiction into your reading (or listening), the The Power audiobook is a very good place to start. It’s gripping, thought-provoking, and, in this format, even more immersive than before.

And it might be worth getting to it sooner rather than later. When we wrapped up, Naomi Alderman left me with a pretty compelling teaser: “I do keep thinking I should write a sequel,” she said. “Ten years feels like a good time… I would. I’ve already got another book I’m working on, but watch this space.”

Meet Gruffalo Granny, the latest book by award-winning children’s author Julia Donaldson. Almost three decades since The Gruffalo was first published, Donaldson is taking us back to the deep dark wood once more – but this time, the star of the story is a grandmother.

The new book will be published on 10 September, 27 years after The Gruffalo was first released in 1999, and more than two decades since the follow-up, The Gruffalo’s Child, hit bookshelves in 2004.

Announcing news of Gruffalo Granny on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Donaldson revealed that the idea had been sitting quietly “in the cupboard” for years, until her son encouraged her to bring it to life.

The Gruffalo books

Despite previously insisting there would never be another Gruffalo story, illustrator Axel Scheffler is once again on board, describing the project as impossible to resist.

Set to feature Donaldson’s trademark rhythmic storytelling alongside Scheffler’s iconic illustrations, the new book opens with the line: “The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, ‘Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay.’”

A national campaign to address falling reading levels among young children also helped prompt the celebrated author to pick up her pen again, and her own experience of grandmotherhood was also a factor.

The Gruffalo books have sold more than 18 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 115 languages since 1999. They’ve also inspired theatre productions and TV adaptations that have become festive staples for many families.

Asked what makes The Gruffalo so enduringly popular, Donaldson suggested the secret lies in the fact that grown-ups enjoy the story as much as children. “Sometimes – I know from my own experience – you get a book that your child likes and you want to put it down the back of the radiator,” she said.

My favourite Julia Donaldson books

With 2016 nostalgia still going strong, this is a timely trip down memory lane for those of us in our 40s and 50s who read The Gruffalo to our kids so many times over the years that we can still recite the story word for word.

Indeed, this announcement feels particularly special to me. Over the past 20 years, my three children have had piles of Julia Donaldson books stacked on their bookshelves. The Gruffalo has been a constant throughout their childhood bedtime routines and inspired many of our best World Book Day costumes. So yes, there’s a deep sense of nostalgia here – but the real joy of this story goes far beyond that.

What matters is that a grandmother, so often marginalised or ridiculed in popular culture and rarely granted main-character energy, is taking centre stage in Gruffalo Granny. It gives me hope that this mirrors a wider shift in attitudes: that being an older woman no longer automatically means being sidelined or underserved, but finally having our stories told and our perspectives treated as worthy of attention.

It's just a children's book, you might argue, but to me it feels more like a milestone.

For regular book news, sign up for our monthly woman&home book club newsletters.

Forget the flowers, chocolates, perfumes, and jewellery, I want books for Valentine's Day. And, as it turns out, I'm not alone. In Spain, it's traditional to gift books on 14th February. It's charming, it's wholesome, and it's carved a welcome position in my traditions already.

Valentine's Day is a great excuse to buy loved ones - be it a partner, a best friend, or a special lady in your life - a gift. I know, lots of people lament the commercialisation of love, but if you're not spending £100 on roses and, instead, you're taking the day as an opportunity to share one of your favourite reads with someone special, that can't be a bad thing, can it?

I've asked industry experts for the books that they would share with their loved one on Valentine's and their recommendations will have your TBR stack of books piled up by your bed. From classic romance, the best audiobooks of 2026, literary classics, historical books, and love letters to mother earth, these are the books that people recommend for Valentine's Day. I've already got a basket full on Amazon.

The books we'll be gifting this Valentine's Day

Roses wilt, chocolates disappear, and perfume eventually runs dry, but a great book? That stays on the shelf (and in the heart) for years. This Valentine’s Day, I’m happily borrowing a page from Spain’s playbook and choosing stories over stereotypes. Whether it sparks conversation, shared reading time, or simply a quiet moment of escape, a thoughtfully chosen book is a love letter in its own right, and one I’ll be gifting again and again. And, if you want more regular recommendations, you can sign up to our monthly woman&home book club newsletters.

Happy New Year! I hope you had a fantastic festive period, and are now raring to go with fresh reading challenges and new year's resolutions for 2026 to spend less time doomscrolling and more time feeding your mind with interesting things.

Enter the best new audiobooks, to help you achieve your 2026 goals. Over the past few months I've listened to hours of audiobooks, and these are the 13 that I recommend wholeheartedly. There's a range of genres from crime fiction and thrillers to the best memoirs to celebrity-penned novels and non-fiction, and more, so there's bound to be something in here to suit your taste.

We've included links to download each audiobook from Audible, for 99p if you're a member (you can currently join Audible for 99p per month for the first three months and get a £10 voucher). Otherwise it will cost around £12 for a one-off Audible download if you're not a member. Many titles are also available on other platforms such as Google Play and Apple Books.

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We've enjoyed an incredible year of books, from exciting debuts to unexpected collaborations, highly anticipated new instalments in our favourite series to film adaptations that made waves – and even a statue dedicated to one of our favourite book heroines. Even the 2025 Booker Prize winner was a surprise to the bookies (and us, if we're honest).

Like many people, we also love revisiting older classics – both those that we've read years ago, and the ones we never got around to before. So in compiling this multiple choice books quiz, it would have been remiss of us to omit older novels as well as recent treasures. So sit back, get your thinking cap on, and take the 2025 woman&home ultimate book club quiz below.

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⭐ How did you get on? See how your score compared with others' by registering to see the leaderboard.

And if you want more brain teasers, catch up with all our previous quizzes here.

The woman&home Quiz of the Day is our fun, quick multiple choice quiz you'll find here every Monday to Friday, which will test what you know about the biggest talking points and topics of the moment – so be sure to tune in again tomorrow!

In the meantime, why not take a look at our guides to the best heartfelt and poignant books, the best new crime fiction and thrillers, the best new romantic fiction, the best new dystopian, fantasy and sci-fi books – or even the best Christmassy books, to get you into the spirit.

Today marks 250 years since the birth of one of the world's best-loved authors: Jane Austen. Born on 16 December 1775, the British novelist's works have been translated into more than 40 languages, and inspired countless other books, movie and TV adaptations, spin-offs and reimaginings (we see you, Clueless).

Austen's life has also been an endless source of fascination over the years, inspiring the Miss Austen TV series this year, as well as one of the best new historical fiction books of 2025. If you love her books, then why not take five minutes to see if you can answer all 10 questions in our Jane Austen trivia quiz correctly.

We hope we didn't catch you out too much with some of those answers! See how you did against others by registering to see the leaderboard.

And if you want more brain teasers, catch up with all our previous quizzes here.

Happy birthday to Jane Austen, born 250 years ago today, on 16 December 1775. A British literary legend, Austen's works have stood the test of time, being read by millions across the world, and immortalised in film and TV adaptations and spin-offs again and again.

If you've read Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility and co more times than you care to mention, perhaps it's time for some new books with a historical setting.

We've reviewed plenty of fantastic new books this year, with some crossing into the realms of the best new crime fiction and thrillers or the best romantic fiction or even the best new books that will make you cry. These are the 12 we recommend for thoughtful gifts for fellow lovers of bygone eras or adding to your bookshelf or best kindle.

Best historical fiction books of 2025

Or if you want a classic Austen...

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Powerful novels have the ability to stay with you weeks, months or even years later. They can make you truly empathise with a character's experiences and feelings, even if your life or attitude differs to theirs – and may even open you up to a good cathartic cry.

Whether exploring the power of female friendship or perhaps the twists and turns of family relationships, loves and losses, crossing into the world of romantic fiction or even fantasy and sci-fi, or history, they're often stories that speak to a universal truth that we can all relate to.

This year has offered no shortage of poignant and heartfelt new novels from both new and established authors. My team and I have reviewed the below 17 standouts that we heartily recommend you read as soon as possible.

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For millions of readers, Sophie Kinsella’s stories were pure joy – and now readers and writers alike are mourning her loss. The much-loved author behind the bestselling Shopaholic series has died following an aggressive form of brain cancer. In a moving statement, her family said they were "heartbroken’" and "can’t imagine life without her radiance and love of life."

Kinsella brought so much laughter and delight into people’s lives with her charming but flawed characters, that this sad news has been felt deeply by many.

Her good friend Jojo Moyes shared on Instagram that Sophie was "more talented, more kind, more fun, more full of grace than anyone I’ve ever met." And, I know from my own encounter with Moyes, she spoke warmly about Kinsella’s encouragement, which gave her the confidence to write her global hit Me Before You at a time when her own self-belief was at an all-time low – a testament to the generosity and warmth that defined Sophie as both a writer and a friend.

Queen of the 00s romcom

Born Madeleine Sophie Wickham, Kinsella was adored for creating stories filled with warmth, wit and wonderfully chaotic characters.

From the charm of Becky Bloomwood – the debt-ridden financial journalist in Confessions of a Shopaholic – to her standalone novels Can You Keep a Secret? and My Not So Perfect Life, her books offered a particular kind of escapism. Her stories were funny, romantic, and always grounded in real-life emotions and everyday anxieties of the modern woman.

Romantic comedies often don’t get the credit they deserve, but Kinsella shaped the genre during the early 2000s, a golden era for women’s commercial fiction. Her stories were witty and feel-good on the surface, but beneath the humour lay sharp observations about identity, self-esteem, ambition, and the messy realities of growing up. To many readers, including myself, she was the undisputed queen of the romcom.

One of her funniest novels, The Undomestic Goddess, remains unforgettable to me. I still remember trying to stifle laughter on a London commute as the heroine – a high-powered lawyer mistaken for a housekeeper – was plunged into domestic disasters. That book still sits proudly on my shelf.

And, who could forget Confessions of a Shopaholic? Published in 2000, it became a global hit and later inspired a cult-favourite film starring Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy.

Kinsella went on to write eight further Shopaholic books and 18 other novels, including YA and children’s titles.

Sophie Kinsella's last novel

Her most recent novel, What Does It Feel Like?, follows a writer recovering from brain tumour surgery and is considered her most autobiographical work – profoundly sad and deeply emotional, yet life-affirming, warm and funny.

Her books have sold over 40 million copies and been translated into dozens of languages.

How I'll remember Sophie

I was fortunate to meet Sophie once at a breakfast event. Knowing how much I adored her writing, I was placed beside her – and arrived nervously. But there was no need. In person, she was everything I hoped she would be: warm, elegant, gracious, and genuinely interested in others.

She spoke lovingly of her family, and it was clear why people loved her, not only for her stories but for her kindness.

Sophie Kinsella leaves behind a remarkable legacy – one of laughter, heart, and characters who helped so many of us feel seen.

From the hundreds of interactions and comments from woman&home readers on Facebook and Instagram, we can see you loved her and her novels as much as us.

If you've been spending most evenings in the Upside Down recently, you're not alone. Our team at woman&home also can't stop talking about the latest season of Stranger Things (no spoilers, please) – and if you've already binged the first set of episodes from series 5 and are waiting for more, we have something to tide you over.

The following guide is our selection of the nine best fantasy, dystopian and sci-fi books we've read and reviewed over the past six months – plus, of course, a Stranger Things novel. The first book on the list, To Cage a Wild Bird, was my overall book of the month in November, and was almost impossible to put down. Order these now for delivery before Christmas, or add to your best Kindle to read tonight. Happy reading!

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It’s official. I’ve lost count of how many times someone has solemnly told me, “I’m just not a Kindle person,” or, even more dramatically, “I could never imagine not holding a real book in my hands.” And, honestly, I get it. That was me too, clutching my paperbacks like a Victorian heroine clutching her pearls. But the Kindle Colorsoft will change your mind, and I have the proof to hand.

Not only is the Kindle Colorsoft one of the very best Kindles Amazon has ever released, it’s part of their foray into colour e-ink, a deceptively subtle upgrade that genuinely transforms the reading experience. I was already an e-reader convert thanks to their classic Paperwhite, but after taking this model for a spin, I handed it over to one of our trusted testers, Sally.

Sally told me, “I’m not really an e-reader person, but my eyesight is getting worse and I’d rather not have to wear glasses every time I read. Lots of my friends keep recommending e-readers, so I’m wondering if it’s the right solution.” I won’t ruin the entire story, but she ended up taking this Kindle on holiday and, in her words, has been reading “more than ever.” There’s a lot to love about Amazon’s latest launch, even if you’ve sworn your allegiance to ‘real’ books.

Kindle Colorsoft review

• Size: 127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8 mm
• Weight: 215 g
• Screen: 7-inch
• Display: 300 ppi in black and white and 150 ppi in colour, using a 16-level greyscale
• System: requirements None at all — Kindle’s OS is consistent across models
• Charge: lasts up to 8 weeks on typical usage

Who would the Kindle Colorsoft suit?

The Kindle Colorsoft suits just about anyone, but especially readers who’ve stubbornly clung to paperbacks because “tablets just don’t feel the same.” If you’ve ever said those words, beware: this Kindle is coming for you.

The new colour display is brilliant for capturing so many little pleasures of physical books that older e-ink readers struggled with: the lushness of fiction covers, the diagrams and maps in non-fiction, the cheerful chaos of colourful cookbooks, even the glossiness of magazines. For that reason, it’s a wonderfully versatile pick for people who read widely across genres.

It’s also a dream if you’re someone who reads with a pen in hand. The ability to highlight and annotate in different colours makes mark-ups feel more intuitive and, dare I say, more fun. It genuinely enhances learning, whether you're reading for work, a course, or simply your own curious mind.

And then there’s eye comfort, one of the biggest wins. Sally told me, “I really should wear glasses for reading and I need bright lights too, but with the Kindle I can enlarge the text and use the backlight, so I can hold books comfortably without straining. I’ve even been reading at night while my husband sleeps: no more blasting him with my bedside lamp.”

The light isn’t harsh, it’s not blue-light heavy, and it doesn’t glare. It’s essentially built for bedtime reading and bright summer daylight: two of the trickiest environments for traditional screens.

Design of the Kindle Colorsoft

If there’s one thing Kindle consistently gets right, it’s making technology feel unfussy and elegant. The Colorsoft has soft curves, a slim silhouette, and that “throw it in your tote bag without thinking” practicality that makes it feel more like a notebook than a gadget.

It’s a touch bigger than the Colorsoft Paperwhite (which is the model I personally own), but still very easy to hold in one hand. You get the payoff of a bigger screen without the wrist ache. Sally noticed the same: “I thought it might get heavy, especially since it’s larger than the Kindles my kids have, but this is a nice weight. I read for hours, even lying down, and never struggled to hold it.”

Our review unit was black, which gives a sense of functional elegance that defines the Colorsoft range. It feels like a piece of tech designed specifically for readers, not just another tablet in disguise.

What is the Kindle Colorsoft display?

The 7-inch, glare-free display is lovely to read on. Amazon promises it’s waterproof, which means bathtub novels, poolside thrillers, and beach reads are all fair game, something you can’t say for your phone.

Thanks to the high contrast and colour layer, illustrations and covers look subtly richer without straying into iPad territory. You still get that classic e-ink calmness, just with a touch more life.

If you’re coming from a Paperwhite, you might notice the brightness and texture differ slightly, simply because of the colour filter, but not in a way that detracts from reading.

Performance of the Kindle Colorsoft

I warmed to the Kindle Colorsoft almost instantly; the interface is familiar if you’ve used any recent Kindle. Navigation is smooth, the home screen, library view, and settings all feel intuitive. Adjusting brightness, warmth, and font size takes seconds, and nothing ever feels buried or confusing.

This model has 16 GB of storage, which is plenty for most readers. Unless you’re downloading extremely image-heavy books or storing hundreds of titles at once, you’ll be absolutely fine.

Sally, who describes herself as “not really one for technology,” told me she found the whole experience strangely empowering. “I thought I’d get lost trying to change settings, but I didn’t. Everything just made sense.”

She also noticed her reading habits shift: “I started using the Kindle at the times I’d normally reach for a physical book, evenings, weekends, but then I found myself using it more and more. In the mornings, when I don’t want to wake my husband by turning on the light, I can use the Kindle’s automatic brightness and read from 4am. It’s such a gentle way to wake up.”

Her favourite part was the font and size adjustments. “I’ve been reading books at arm’s length under bright lights for years. Being able to bring the Kindle close and actually see without glasses felt like a luxury.”

If you’re wondering whether colour is worth it, here’s the honest answer: if you read magazines, cookbooks, nature writing, gardening guides, or non-fiction with charts and images, yes, it makes a noticeable difference. Photos feel livelier, diagrams clearer, and book covers closer to what you’d see in a shop.

How does the Kindle Colorsoft compare?

Against the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, this model is almost identical. The Signature Edition is slightly smaller (6 inches) and comes with larger storage (32GB), but for most people, the 16 GB here is more than enough: you can store roughly 10+ average books per GB.

A bigger screen can be a blessing if you want larger text without shrinking your page to a single paragraph. If eyesight or comfort is your priority, the Colorsoft wins. But if you read while commuting or love a more compact device, the Signature Edition’s smaller footprint and lighter weight may appeal.

If you’re not fussed about colour at all, then the classic Kindle Paperwhite remains the best-value alternative. The display is crisp, the reading experience is superb, and you’ll save £100, which is money you can happily redirect into your reading list.

Should you buy the Kindle Colorsoft?

If you’ve resisted e-readers for years, the Kindle Colorsoft might be the one that brings you round. The sleek design, soothing adjustable display, and gentle touch of colour give it that sweet spot between traditional reading and modern convenience.

It shines on holiday, when reading in bed, and for anyone who wants bigger, clearer text without compromising on comfort. If you’ve ever found yourself balancing a book under a lamp or squinting at small print, consider this your sign.

How we test e-readers

At woman&home, we are an unabashedly bookish bunch. We read constantly: on trains, in bed, over breakfast. And we put that to good use by testing e-readers in the way readers actually use them.

When we review these devices, we consider everything:
• what it’s like to hold, whether you can grip it easily with one hand
• how heavy it feels after a long reading session
• screen clarity, brightness, and warmth adjustments
• how the text looks at different sizes
• colour performance
• storage, battery life, and technical specs for the geeks among us

We leave no page unturned (forgive the pun). By the end of our reviews, you should feel completely confident about what each e-reader is like to own and use. And if you’re still wondering which one is “your” Kindle, email me anytime, my inbox is always open, especially for chatting about books.

There's an interiors trend doing the rounds again that has divided opinion and upset book lovers: people are buying fake books to decorate their shelving and coffee tables, despite there being so many incredible real books available to buy.

You don't need me to tell you that real coffee table and non-fiction books may cost a little more than the hollow faux books, but they deliver so much more – teaching us new things and containing beautiful inspiration within their covers. This guide includes my review team's top picks of gorgeous art and photography coffee books, travel books, hardbacks to help you elevate your interiors, empowering non-fiction written by expert women authors, books that celebrate cultural movements and favourite TV shows, and even some quiz and puzzle books to keep you busy.

Like the best new cookbooks, the best new memoirs and more, these fantastic coffee table books and non-fiction reads would of course make excellent gifts – but would be even better taking pride of place on your own coffee table or bookshelves.

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We’re not going to lie, picking the best cookbooks of the past 12 months was a dangerously tasty job, and it's given us an insight into the plight of our poor food editors, who have to develop and taste-test mouth watering dishes regularly. Leafing through the pages of recipe books by top TV chefs, restauranteurs and food and wine experts made us want to gorge on every delicacy and treat they mentioned.

Luckily for our cholesterol levels, my book reviewers and I managed to resist firing up our best stand mixers, slow cookers and best air fryers to make every dish in every book that we reviewed. And luckily for you, we narrowed our selection down to just the best seven books of the year, that we really think are worth your time and money.

Like the best new crime fiction and thrillers, the best new coffee table and non-fiction books, and the best new romantic fiction novels, the following titles would make excellent gifts – but would be equally at home on your bookshelves, we're sure. Bon appetit.

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You may start counting down to gingerbread latte season from September, or you may shudder at the first hint of tinsel, but whatever your stance, you can't deny that the festive season is swiftly approaching now (if it hasn't already started in your house) – so it's time to pick up one of the best Christmas books of 2025.

But, Christmas doesn't mean you suddenly have to turn up the sweetness dial to sickly levels – and neither should a good Christmas book be too sweet or clichéd. That's why my team of reviewers and I put so much time and thought into bringing this diverse mix of the books we truly believe are worth you spending time with between gift shopping, parties and hosting prep.

From crime fiction and thrillers to the obligatory romantic fiction novels, heartwarming stories to a few suggestions for the children in your life, and even the best new cookbooks, there are plenty of choices here to fill up your best Kindle or bookshelves before you open the first door of your advent calendar.

Wintry mysteries

Romantic festive stories

Heartwarming Christmas reads

Christmas stories for kids

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What better gift can you give (or receive) than the latest page turner to impress your book club circle and help you glide through your reading challenges with pleasure?

Whether it's learning about Davina McCall's reflections on life and remarriage amid her ongoing health battles, Queen Elizabeth II's confession to a trusted confidante or Joanna Lumley's champagne ritual, we love to learn about the famous faces we admire. So we couldn't resist hearing some tales straight from the horses' mouths (or laptops).

We've reviewed plenty of fantastic new memoirs this year, and these are the 14 we recommend for thoughtful gifts or adding to your bookshelf or best kindle today.

If you also love diving into fiction, these best new books that will make you cry are poignant and heartfelt, with stories that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Join our book club

If you love books, why not sign up to our monthly Book Club newsletter, with editor picks, author insights and more? And be sure to check out our recommendations on-site including the best new romantic fiction novels, the best new crime fiction and thrillers, and best Kindle deals.

The Booker Prize 2025 has crowned its winner – and, in a result that surprised the bookies, Hungarian-British novelist David Szalay has taken home the £50,000 award for his daring and deeply compelling novel Flesh.

At a glittering ceremony at Old Billingsgate, London, Szalay accepted the trophy from last year’s winner, Samantha Harvey, for what chair of judges Roddy Doyle described as "an extraordinary, singular novel… a dark book that is a joy to read."

Written in Szalay’s signature pared-back prose, Flesh follows István, a boy growing up in provincial Hungary who gets caught up in an intense relationship with an older married woman – an encounter that alters the course of his life. It's a novel that asks, at its heart, what makes a life worth living and what breaks it.

The 2025 shortlist featured the bookies’ favourites – Andrew Miller’s The Land in Winter and Kiran Desai’s The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny – alongside The Rest of Our Lives by Benjamin Markovits, Audition by Katie Kitamura, and Flashlight by Susan Choi.

Shop 2025 Booker Prize nominees

"Flesh is a book about living, and the strangeness of living – one that reminds us, as we turn the pages, how glad we are to be alive and reading," said Doyle.

"I don’t think I’ve read a novel that uses the white space on the page so well. It’s as if the author is inviting the reader to fill that space – to observe, almost to create, the character with him."

The evening itself shimmered with celebrity stardust. Among the guests were actor and producer Sarah Jessica Parker, who served on this year’s judging panel and was resplendent in a satin corset dress, alongside familiar faces Ruth Jones, Sir Lenny Henry, Bridgerton’s Adjoa Andoh, The White Lotus actor, Jason Isaacs, and Charles Dance.

An excerpt of Flesh read and performed by multi-award-winning musician Stormzy (below), originally created for the Booker Prize shortlist series, was also screened.

In his acceptance speech, Szalay reflected on the novel’s uncertain beginnings and the creative risks behind it. He revealed that, when discussing the title with his editor, they’d wondered aloud whether a book called Flesh could ever win the Booker Prize – a reflection, he said, of how ‘risky’ the project had felt from the start.

That gamble, it seems, paid off.

Already shortlisted once before, in 2016 for All That Man Is, Szalay now becomes the first Hungarian-British author ever to win the Booker Prize.

Now in its 55th year, the Booker Prize remains the world’s most prestigious award for a single work of fiction in English. With past winners from Salman Rushdie to Hilary Mantel, it continues to shape the modern literary canon and spotlight voices that redefine the form.

Join our book club

If you love books, why not sign up to our monthly Book Club newsletter, with editor picks, author insights and more? And be sure to check out our recommendations on-site including the best new romantic fiction novels, the best new crime fiction and thrillers, and best Kindle deals.

An epic, heartbreaking yet uplifting story, The Women by Kristin Hannah has topped multiple book charts and been recommended to friends, colleagues, neighbours, grocers and delivery drivers all over.

The Women follows a young nurse, Frankie, sent to the Vietnam War and deeply affected by what she sees. Returning to a changed America, she discovers the true value of female friendship and the heartbreak love can cause.

We recently spoke to lawyer-turned writer Kristin, gaining an insight into her influences. She told us, "As the child of a peripatetic adventurer, I longed for stability and certainty. I never dreamt of being a writer, or an astronaut or a ballet dancer.

"I wanted to be a small-town librarian. Books were my best friends back then and working among them sounded ideal."

Kristin listed Anne of Green Gables, The Wizard of Oz, and The Hobbit as formative books for her, called thriller novel It by Stephen King "a masterclass in how time and structure impact a story." She described The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy as "beautifully immersive and gorgeously written, with characters I truly care about. I use it as a study guide for the kind of writer I want to be."

Fellow author Taylor Jenkins Reid called The Women "Utterly absorbing... A triumph." And many readers have been left wanting more – including the movie adaptation, after the rights were bought by Warner Bros last year.

Aside from Kristin's other popular novels such as The Nightingale (also slated for a movie version), The Four Winds, and Firefly Lane (and the Netflix series of the same name), we've unearthed three other gems to immerse yourself in, with characters you'll care about intensely.

If you want more poignant, heartwarming book recommendations, check our list of the best new books to make you cry.

Between being a practising brain physician and prolific writer, it’s hard to fathom when Freida McFadden finds time for anything else – yet she's the author of multiple psychological thrillers and medical humour novels.

Her bestselling book, The Housemaid, has been made into a major blockbuster starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, out in cinemas on Boxing Day in the UK.

The film has already been released in the US, on December 19, and has been met with praise from critics and audiences alike, raking in $8M on its first day alone.

With a 'Fresh' rating of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes (surpassing the likes of the new Avatar movie and Wicked: For Good), and an Audience Score of 92%, there's no doubt this adaptation is going to introduce a whole new audience to Freida's books, which include her brand new thriller, The Intruder.

A tale of survival and desperation, set in an ominously remote cabin – and it's already selling fast after its release earlier this month. Here, Freida tells us all about seeing her book made into a Hollywood movie, her writing process, passions and more.

"On an excitement scale of one to 10, I am at about 103 for the movie The Housemaid.

"I feel so blessed to have amazing actors Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried playing Millie and Nina.

"I burst into happy tears when I met Sydney in January, who was super-sweet about my humiliating display.

"About once a day, I say to my husband, ‘Do you believe this is happening?’ He says something like, ‘Yeah, it’s pretty weird.’

"I started out writing a humorous account of my medical intern year in-between my baby’s nap times; I was proud it sold 500 copies, but now I’m on The Sunday Times bestseller list.

"I can’t believe I’ve written 31 books in 12 years!

"I didn’t realise it was that many. Still, juggling my time has been challenging. Back in 2023, I was feeling overwhelmed and it was affecting my mental health, which is why I decided to step back from medicine and now only practise about one day per week.

"Those who have read most of my books know that revenge is a favourite topic for me.

"My general feeling is that in life, people rarely get exactly what they deserve. But in art, you can dole out that poetic justice, which I enjoyed doing again in The Intruder.

"Maternal control can be a compelling theme in books, and one I delve into in my latest novel.

"The mother-and-child bond is a strong one, and that’s why being betrayed by a mother is one of the most psychologically damaging things to happen to a person.

"A childhood plagued by a cruel mother is the perfect ‘origin story’ for a villain or antihero.

"I love writing morally grey characters.

"I’m intrigued by the idea that a person can be good deep down but still do bad things. Or a person can be mostly ‘evil’ yet still have sympathetic qualities.

"Someone who does nothing but good things is not interesting to read about, in my opinion!

"Despite the dark subjects in my books, humour is so important to me. I love to laugh.

"I don’t like to take myself too seriously, and that translates into my books. I hope people get a laugh from them, even though they are actually thrillers, so humour is more like the side plot.

"I love writing dialogue – I joke that my books are just a step or two away from being plays.

"I also love writing short chapters that end on cliffhangers because I know as a reader about the temptation to devour ‘just one more chapter’.

"I insist on still writing for fun.

"I try to come up with ideas that excite me, as it’s important that the process continues to make me happy. But I picked up painting as a hobby last year, as I needed to have one pursuit that isn’t also a career.

"I have lots of advice – I can’t shut up about it.

"In general, the self-publishing arena is different from when I started, and the important rule is that you have the guts to send your book into the world, then promote it like you believe in it.

"I actually enjoy participating in social media.

"I’m a little shy about real-life appearances, but I love interacting with readers online.

"I try to be present as much as I can and show my readers how genuinely grateful I am for their support."

Call us sentimental, but we adore a good love story here at woman&home. So when my pick for book of the month landed on my desk, offering an exploration of first love, I couldn't wait to dive in – and I'm so glad that I did.

While the best romcom movies are always fun to indulge in, there's nothing like the slower pace of reading a book to help you really connect to an emotional and romantic storyline. Whether you prefer your love stories sweet and caring or hot and racy, my picks of the best new romantic fiction novels cater for all tastes.

And to top it off, we caught up with Strictly Come Dancing judge and new novelist Oti Mabuse, who shares her favourite romantic reads. Whether you prefer reading on your best Kindle, a hardback or paperback, we hope you become as infatuated with these stories as we are.

Oti Mabuse's picks

Strictly star, dancer, judge, presenter and mother Oti Mabuse has added yet another string to her bow, becoming an author with the release of her romantic (and dance-themed, naturally) debut novel Slow Burn, out now.

Here, she reveals her all-time favourite page-turners – and they're romances too!

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We were deeply saddened to hear that Dame Jilly Cooper has passed away at the age of 88 following a fall at her home.

Like many teenage girls in the 80s, I first discovered her books by sneakily pulling a copy of Riders from my mum’s shelves – far too young for its gloriously racy content. Your options were thin on the ground; Judy Blume guided us through all the highs and awkwardness of first crushes, but beyond that, it was the classics – Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, lined up in their matching faux-leather cases – or the forbidden books with suggestive covers that whispered of grown-up worlds.

And it was there, tucked among them, that many of us discovered Jilly Cooper for the very first time.

Reading a Jilly Cooper novel was pure escapism. Beyond the scandal and sex, her stories were full of insight into love, ambition, heartbreak, and the messy brilliance of being human.

Her worlds shone with champagne-fuelled parties, muddy stables, and tangled relationships – an intoxicating mix of glamour and grit that made it impossible not to be swept away. It was a world we all wanted to be part of.

I later learned that reading a Jilly Cooper novel was a rite of passage for so many girls growing up in the ’80s, sparking not just a lifelong love of reading but an early lesson in confidence, daring, and ambition.

Dame Jilly Cooper was, quite simply, an icon. She began her career in journalism in the late 1960s, writing with the same wit and sparkle that would later define her fiction. After publishing a handful of lively non-fiction books – including How to Stay Married – she turned to novels, eventually creating the beloved Rutshire Chronicles, beginning with Riders.

Often crowned the queen of the bonkbuster, her novels were always more than their saucy reputation suggested. With sharp wit and a keen eye for social nuance, she wrote about class, relationships, rivalry, loss, and parenthood with rare honesty and warmth.

From early romances like Harriet and Octavia to sparkling classics Riders, Polo and Rivals, her worlds were filled with unforgettable characters – clever, funny women and men like Rupert Campbell-Black, the charismatic showjumper whose swagger hid surprising depth.

Her stories celebrated female friendship, ambition, and independence at a time when women’s lives were too often defined by others. And now, a new generation is discovering her magic through the recent Disney+ adaptation of Rivals, starring David Tennant, Emily Atack, Aidan Turner, and Danny Dyer.

Following the news of Jilly's death, countless moving tributes have been shared by everyone from fans to Queen Camilla herself, who was a friend to Jilly.

"I was so saddened to learn of Dame Jilly’s death last night," the Queen wrote.

"Very few writers get to be a legend in their own lifetime but Jilly was one, creating a whole new genre of literature and making it her own through a career that spanned over five decades."

Touching on the bond they shared, Her Majesty continued, "In person she was a wonderfully witty and compassionate friend to me and so many – and it was a particular pleasure to see her just a few weeks ago at my Queen’s Reading Room Festival where she was, as ever, a star of the show.

"I join my husband The King in sending our thoughts and sympathies to all her family. And may her hereafter be filled with impossibly handsome men and devoted dogs."

Dame Jilly Cooper leaves behind a legacy of wit, warmth, and audacity, reminding us all to live boldly and love fiercely - a true legend.

Carol Kirkwood is a familiar face to millions of us from her weather reports on BBC Breakfast, presenting Wimbledon fortnight, as well as a stint on Strictly Come Dancing. But she's also the author of five novels, inspired by her passion for travel and her love of Hollywood glamour – the latest of which, Meet Me at Sunset, has just been released.

But what books does Carol love to hunker down with, herself? From the revealing to the compelling, to the downright enlightening and practical, these are the five books that Carol picked as her top choices.

READ CAROL’S NEW BOOK

Set on the sun-drenched island of Majorca, Camille Fontaine arrives seeking solace after a broken love affair, only to find herself entangled in a web of secrets. She discovers that she’s not the only one with a past to hide. An emotional tale rich in drama.

Carole Kirkwood's new novel is available to buy now

To learn more about Carol and her books, follow her Facebook page.

We might still be working our way through the best new reads of summer 2025, but there’s no harm in adding another book to our growing reading list, is there? In fact, it would be impossible not to after watching Amanda Lambe’s tearful review of one of the best new crime fiction and thriller stories to hit shelves.

“I have just finished reading – and I read it in 24 hours – probably one of the most beautiful books that I have ever, ever read,” she said through tears and hiccups in an Instagram video. “It’s one of those books that’s going to stay with me for a very long time and I’ve had a little cry.

“It’s called Broken Country,” she revealed. “It is such a beautiful book.”

Enticed? We here and woman&home were when Broken Country first came out. In fact, it was woman&home's book of the month in April, with our books editor Zoe West describing the plot as "heartbreaking and real... with all the pace of a literary thriller. A dazzling debut."

It’s not only us who have been influenced by Amanda to tuck into Broken Country and get a good cry on – writer Dawn O’Porter has also bought the book after seeing her emotional Instagram video.

“I’ve just seen a video of Amanda Lambe crying because she has just read Broken Country and now I have to have that and read that,” she said. “There are so many things to do,” she added, “But now I don’t want to do any of them. I just want to read!”

Shop "Tear-Jerking" Reads

People who were already fans of Broken Country were quick to sympathise with Amanda’s tearful reaction to the story, with one writing in her comments, “I started reading this this morning… and finished it by this afternoon. What an incredible book. Cried at the end too!”

While another said, “Picked it up and literally didn’t put it back down til I was done. It was fantastic!”

Let us know in the comments below if you have any other books you'd recommend for a good cathartic cry?

Author Cecelia Ahern has 22 novels to her name, has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, and has seen two of her novels adapted for the big screen. Yet the 43-year-old Dublin-born writer has had her share of ups and downs on the path to success.

As we crown her latest title, Paper Heart, our September book of the month, Cecelia tells woman&home about her early shot at stardom, and the mark it left.

Early ambitions

"In the 90s, it seemed like there was a new pop band turning up every week – particularly in Dublin. Band manager Louis Walsh – probably best-known as an X Factor judge – was a big presence in the Irish music industry and would send me to various auditions," says author Cecelia Ahern.

"I had been singing and dancing professionally all through my teenage years, so had got to know Louis. He was also the manager of my brother-in-law’s band, Westlife. Nicky Byrne is married to my sister Georgina.

"On the way to a dance class, Louis called and asked me to pop over and perform backing vocals on a U2 charity song at Windmill Lane studios. I was only 16, which seems crazy now. I continued to seek out opportunities.

"After auditioning for one band and not making it, Louis said he had me in mind for a Eurovision group he was putting together – two boys and two girls. Think Bucks Fizz meets Steps. We were called Shimma and entered the National Song Contest in the hope of representing Ireland.

"A brilliant Irish band called Who’s Eddie? wrote our song, When You Are Near, and we recorded it at Pete Waterman’s studio, rehearsed our dance at Pineapple Studios and signed up with Polydor Records.

"It was so exciting and there was so much hope for us. We did all the interviews and press, and then finally performed in the hope we might get to take part in Eurovision 2000.

"Unfortunately, we came third. It was the first time anyone saw us live, and though the experience was nerve-wracking, the big party afterwards made up for it.

"Just taking part in the lead-up to Eurovision was great fun, as it’s an institution in Ireland, especially having won it for three consecutive years in the 90s. We performed as a band a couple more times, but were released from our contract six months later."

"Nicky recently found a video of Shimma performing. It had been on YouTube but then disappeared. Back then I didn’t want to watch it.

"While I was trying to establish myself as an author, it kept popping up and I found it so cringey, but now it’s been rediscovered, I love to show my kids – especially as I’m wearing a cropped top. It’s such a 90s look with the trousers – very Britney Spears.

"This all happened in my first term of college – probably over a matter of months. But as soon as it was over, I carried on with my journalism course.

"It was a couple of days before the end of college that I had the idea for, and started writing, PS, I Love You."

Rediscovering my sparkle

"I look back now and it’s like there are two versions of me. Once the mini pop career ended I retreated into myself. The performer had gone. I didn’t even like the idea of anyone looking at me – not even at karaoke.

"I changed as a person. I went through a little wobbly patch at 19 and locked myself away, trying to figure things out. As I became more introspective, I started to understand people more, and that version of me became the author.

"So, while I feel like I lost my sparkle for a while, I found it again in writing.

"It was a sliding doors moment. And although it wasn’t autobiographical, PS, I Love You was very much the journey I was on. It was about a character, Holly, who had lost her identity and didn’t know where she was going – and she was grieving. By the end of it, Holly found her way and I had found a new career. It was unexpected and amazing.

"Everything changed for me then. When I think back on what I was like when I was younger, I realise I have always been a dreamer with big hopes and ambitions.

"I don’t think that aspect of me has changed – which I’m pleased about – but if I was to say anything to the young Cecelia in the photo, it would be, ‘It’s OK, it will work out. Not in the way you think it will, but it will all be fine.’"

To learn more about global bestselling author Cecelia Ahern and the 22 books that she's written, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.

Known for her historical thrillers set in 18th-century England, Laura Shepherd-Robinson worked in politics for nearly 20 years before embarking on a career as a novelist.

Her award-winning debut novel, Blood & Sugar, was followed by two more highly acclaimed books, earning bestseller status. Her latest book, The Art of a Lie, is a historical cat-and-mouse thriller which was released on 10 July and became an instant Sunday Times bestseller.

Set in 1749 London, widowed confectioner Hannah Cole battles societal prejudice and financial ruin after her husband’s murder. But a mysterious fortune, a charming stranger and the allure of ‘iced cream’ offer hope, despite the secrets that threaten everything.

"I have always loved St James’s, with its luxury shops – some of which date back to the 17th century in origin. Hannah has a shop on Piccadilly. She is struggling. That is until the handsome William Devereux turns up and introduces her to a new craze called iced cream. It’s made in a similar way to today, but they put it in a bowl over ice and salt.

"Forget Heston Blumenthal! Long before he was making mustard ice cream, the Georgians were using flavours such as Parmesan and asparagus. I really want to try brown bread ice cream. They sprinkled bits of brown bread with sugar and toasted them. You had a kind of French-toast-and-cookie-dough ice cream effect.

"I am fascinated by the Georgian era – the period all my books have been set in – but this time I wanted to write about the ‘middling sort’. They aren’t the thieves, prostitutes and poor people living in the slums, and they’re not those living in the grand houses of Bridgerton. They were the people who really grew in size over the course of the 18th century. They ran small shops and businesses, and were generally overlooked.

"A lot of women ran businesses in Georgian England. They faced legal and financial obstacles, but also criticism and social censure for what they were doing – but they did it nonetheless, and often very successfully.

"Characters that are all good or all bad are the least interesting because, morally, we are all flawed. Hannah and William certainly are, but someone once gave me some great writing advice: even the darkest villain of the darkest book or film is the hero of their own movie. They will always justify what they’re doing to themselves and others, and why they think they’re on the side of right.

"Fact can be stranger than fiction – especially with the Georgians. They did things that were much more interesting and outrageous than anything I could ever think of, so the research informs the book.

"I make my husband come on walks with me and I tell him everything that’s broken about the book I’m writing. In the process of telling him, I can talk myself into a solution. He’s got the patience of a saint.

"I worked in politics for 20 years – until one day I woke up and said to my husband, ‘I’m thinking of leaving my job and writing a novel.’ It was an idea I’d had since my late 20s. Politics was good grounding. My books are about thieves, liars and psychopaths – but, more seriously, many of my best friends are still in politics and none of them are like that.

"Power is interesting, though. Any good book, whatever its genre, has conflict, and you can’t really have conflict without power.

"Three things I’d keep in my Georgian handbag? A flushable toilet wouldn’t fit, so I’d have foundation (the Georgians were obsessed with good skin), my Kindle so I could have the books I like, and a pineapple. They were worth so much, I could sell it and buy everything else I needed!"

It perhaps shouldn't be a surprise that for 'the superstar of psychological thrillers' Louise Candlish, the five books that changed her life are not for the faint-hearted.

It did rather surprise us, though, to hear that her nostalgic childhood favourite faced a rather grotesque fate in the hands of the young Louise! Albeit for a very sweet reason.

Louise, who celebrated 20 years as a writer last year, is best known as the author of Our House, which won critical acclaim, awards and sold over a quarter of a million copies – and was turned into an ITV drama series. Come with us as we get some inspiration for new reads, and learn a little more about one of our favourite writers.

READ LOUISE’S NEW BOOK

Notes on a Scandal meets Indecent Proposal in this slow-burn thriller. Gen Zer Pixie’s rental arrangements stir suspicion in her older neighbour Gwen, who narrates the consequences with chilling wryness.

Louise's new book is available now

You can find out more about Louise and delve into the 18 books that she's written at her website and follow her on Instagram.

As the leaves turn red and autumn nights begin to draw in, it feels particularly appropriate to seek out a gripping new crime fiction or thriller novel to settle down with (as if we ever need an excuse to pick up a new page-turner!)

The following recently released books have been picked by me and my book reviewing team as the best of the bunch, whether you're into dark noir, crime with a touch of humour, or want to be surprised. Our book of the month is a brand new novel set against the backdrop of the seemingly innocuous pub quiz, with a fatal round in store.

And as we love getting inside the heads of authors such as The Housemaid author Freida McFadden and A Neighbour’s Guide to Murder writer Louise Candlish, here we caught up with legend of crime fiction writing, Karin Slaughter, as she released her 25th book.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

In conversation with author Karin Slaughter

An international powerhouse, Karin releases her 25th novel in 2025, and celebrates being published in 120 countries and selling more than 40 million copies of her books. Putting strong female characters at the heart of her novels, she explores crime, justice and the complexities of human nature.

Her novel Pieces of Her was made into a Netflix series and the Will Trent books adapted for Disney+. Her latest novel, We Are All Guilty Here, is the first in a new series set in a small community. We caught up with her for a quick chat.

"I don’t know where I get my ideas from, exactly. Sometimes I’m listening to a song or reading the news and something just clicks for me. That said, the idea for my book Pretty Girls came to me in a fever dream while I was healing from an injury. I woke up and wrote the dream down, and when I came back to it later, I thought, ‘Wow, that’s dark.’ And then I thought, ‘Could make a good book!’

"I don’t think I could ever run out of inspiration because I’m so curious about why people do the things they do. What motivates people to do things that are ambitious, or irrational, or just really stupid? I will always have questions about the world, and I can answer those questions with my stories.

"The hardest thing about writing a novel is sitting down and doing it. I think everyone has at least one good story to tell. But figuring out how to tell it is the challenge.

"It’s always been a part of my process to see all my novels playing out visually. But now that I’ve written fortelevision and have been a part of that process, I think more about my characters’ movements and their dimensionality, and how they move through spaces. And I have them thinking less and speaking more than I used to, because that is what works on-screen.

"I don’t use any software when I’m writing my novels – but I am disciplined about planning out my stories before I start writing. So I’ve worked out all of the details before I even sit down and start typing. I’ve done it this way so long, I don’t know if I could do it any other way.

"My books do deal with dark subjects. To give myself a break I might listen to some music with my cat laying on me, or go on the treadmill for a couple of hours, or take a nap. I love a good nap."

In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. Don’t miss Stuff Your Kindle Day...I’m pretty sure that’s how The Great Gatsby opens anyway. And, if it doesn’t, it definitely should. It’s the insider's way fill your electronic shelves without spending a penny, but what is Stuff Your Kindle Day? When is it? And can you stuff other e-readers that aren't Kindles?

Whether you’ve invested in one of the best Kindles, or you’ve gone for a Kobo or Boox alternative, you can still make the most of Stuff Your Kindle Day. The global event, also known as Stuff Your E-Reader, is an opportunity for new authors to promote their work; it happens multiple times a year; and people flock to fill their e-readers with this summer's must-read books.

As a certified book worm and e-reader expert, I’ll break down what Stuff Your Kindle Day is exactly, when the next one is, and how to get your hands on some of the best Kindle book deals of the year.

Where to shop Stuff Your Kindle Day

Different e-readers will be compatible with different stores. I have put the links to click on below. This will take you straight to the Stuff Your E-Reader section. No faffing needed.

• Amazon Kindle: free books are here and best-selling deals are here
• Apple Books: shop their charts to find the best (I approve of all the top ten)
• Google Play: 99p book deals
• Kobo: a selection of mystery, thriller, romance, and fantasy books

What is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your Kindle Day is an online event where thousands of e-books are made free to download on your e-reader. Most of these are from up-and-coming or independently published authors, so you might not recognise the names from best-selling lists or the Waterstones bookshelves. Don't let that deter you though, because I've found some of my favourite books on these lists.

The event is often called Stuff Your E-Reader to avoid the misconception that this is a sale exclusive to Amazon's store. Google, Apple and other e-book stores will also reduce the price of their e-books to completely free, so you can stack up your virtual shelves without having to pull out your wallet.

Whilst 'day' is in the name, Stuff Your Kindle Day actually happens more than once a year. Historically, there are four main 24-hour events, each focussed on specific genres. Most of the books are romance, but some are suspense, fantasy, and others are mysteries.

It really pays to be prepared when it comes to Stuff Your Kindle Day, so mark your calendars with the dates and prep your reading list. You can enjoy different authors completely risk-free, so if one book doesn't grab you, you can move onto the next. No buyers remorse will push you to finish a book that you're not enjoying.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The best way to shop Stuff Your Kindle Day is through preparation. Websites will announce the dates for each event, whilst also sharing details of what genre of books will be on offer. I'd keep an eye on social media as well as book blogger newsletters, such as Indie Author Centraland BookBub. Here are the dates that I have booked (sorry, I couldn't resist):

• 16th September: Into The Darkness is packed with dark fiction
• 27th September: Enchant Your Kindle is all about fantasy books
• 24-30th October: will start with Dark Romance Day and move into Get Spooked (horror), which is only appropriate for the Halloween season
• 16-20th December: Winter Wonderland will offer up your cosiest reads

I'd recommend sorting the lists of free books by genre, trope, and author. Clicking "buy now" will send the e-book straight to your library without taking any money. Once the book is downloaded, you have it to read whenever you've got some time and a cup of tea at the ready.

Tips for finding the best books on Stuff Your Kindle Day

Stuff Your Kindle day can become quickly overwhelming, because lots of the authors that participate are new, independent, and lesser-known. I'd recommend narrowing down your options, by sorting books by category. For me, it'll be "second-chance-romance" or "small-town".

From there, when I see a book I like the look of, I'll read the Amazon reviews and look at Goodreads ratings, because these will give unbiased, useful feedback from other readers like you. It's also worth having a look at book groups and Reddit threads, where there will undoubtedly be other readers like you looking for advice.

I'm also signed up to the newsletter from romancebookworms.com, which is where some of the organisers of Stuff Your Kindle Day are based, so they'll offer special tips and insights.

FAQs

How much are books on Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The e-books that are participating in Stuff Your Kindle Day are completely free. You don't have to start reading the books during the 24-hour event, just make sure you have them downloaded to your e-reader's library.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The next Stuff Your Kindle Day is 16th September with the theme 'dark fiction'. You can expect to see more than that genre on offer, but that's where the most free books will be.

Can I get books for non-Kindle e-readers on Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Lots of people have re-named Stuff Your Kindle Day "Stuff Your E-Reader Day" because it's not just Amazon that slashes the price. This means you don't have to miss out if you're reading on any tablet, be it a Kobo or a reMarkable.

Aside from signing up to Kindle Unlimited, you don't get many opportunities to explore books without the risk of buyer's remorse. If you miss one Stuff Your Kindle Day, keep an eye on the other events, because these come around more often than you think. Kindle deals are never far away.

Finding out the books that have made a big impression on authors is a fascinating insight into what shapes their writing. And with the paperback publication of her latest novel, The Midnight Feast, I asked Lucy Foley to share the books that changed her life.

Lucy has plumped for some great classics – two coming-of-age books, each narrated in the first person by impressionable teenage girls. Both are intense family dramas that explore relationships and dilemmas.

The settings take us from a dilapidated castle in glorious Suffolk to a glamorous villa in the south of France, and in the case of The Talented Mr Ripley, we travel from New York to Italy and Greece, peeking into the world of the super-rich.

Flawed characters feature throughout Lucy’s selection, with a dysfunctional marriage and truly twisted characters in her brilliant crime choices. Small wonder she enjoys writing such psychologically gripping thrillers.

Lucy Foley's latest book - The Midnight Feast

I’ve had a Kindle by my bed for over a decade, but it wasn’t until Amazon launched the Colorsoft Signature Edition that I really fell in love. As the brand’s first e-reader with a colour display, it opened up a whole new world of magazine reading, glossy travel guides, and cookbook browsing, all from one sleek little screen. And now, nearly a year on, Kindle has expanded its Colorsoft bookshelf not once, but twice. And one feature, in particular, has readers turning hundreds more pages.

After one sunshine-filled holiday with the Colorsoft Signature Edition, I knew I’d found one of the best Kindles out there. So when Amazon announced they were adding two new models to the Colorsoft line-up (the more budget-friendly Kindle Colorsoft 16GB and a playful Colorsoft Kids Edition) I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

Both new models promise faster page turns, custom backgrounds to ease eye strain at night, and that same vibrant, full-colour screen. According to Amazon, Colorsoft readers now read hundreds more pages than those using their other Kindle devices and I can totally relate. So, let’s take a closer look at these two new additions to the Kindle family.

Everything you need to know about the new Kindle Colorsoft launch

If you want the headlines, here's what's in the new Kindle Colorsoft launch. There is already a Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (£299.99) which has been around since October, but the two below are brand new.

Each Colorsoft model promises faster page turns, different backgrounds to help with reading at night, as well as a vivid colour screen. And, after launching the Colorsoft Signature, Amazon has officially announced that "on average, [Colorsoft readers] spend more time on their Kindle and read hundreds more pages than on our other Kindle devices. Here's what you need to know about the two newest members of the family:

• New Kindle Colorsoft: 16GB, high-contrast colour display, warm lights, up to 8 weeks of battery life for £239.99
• New Kindle Colorsoft Kids: 16 GB. one year of Amazon Kids+, new illustrated covers, parental controls for £259.99

New Kindle Colorsoft models

As our go-to eReader tester, I’ve worked my way through every Kindle Amazon has to offer as well as looking at plenty of rivals too, from sleek Kobos to note-taking ReMarkables. For a while, in the Kindle vs Kobo debate, Kobo had the upper hand in one big way: more models with colour screens. But now that Amazon has launched a more affordable version of its Colorsoft Signature Edition, the competition is back to being neck-and-neck, if not a little in Amazon's favour.

It’s much easier to spot the differences between each Colorsoft model when you lay them out side by side, so that’s exactly what I’ve done for you here. I already own (and adore) the Colorsoft Signature Edition, but I’ll be getting hands-on with Amazon’s two newest models very soon.

All new versions come with 16GB of storage (plenty of space for your digital bookshelves); USB-C charging, which makes powering up a breeze; and colour screens that can offer more warmth at night. Here are the nitty gritty details:

FAQs

Are there any other eReaders that offer colour screens?

There are lots of eReaders offering colour screens. Having tested them all, I find Amazon Kindles to have the most vivid colour display, but that's not to say that you should skip over your alternatives. Other models offer some great perks too. Here are my favourite alternatives:

Should I get a Kindle or a Kobo?

Ah, the great Kindle vs Kobo debate. The answer depends entirely on what you want to read and how you like to do it. Kobo's offering has some advantages: the Libra has page turn buttons, for example, which Kindle cut when they discontinued the Oasis. However, Kindle's ecosystem of books and audiobooks is a well-oiled and very rich machine that I find it hard to tear myself away from.

What is Kindle Unlimited?

You'll sometimes see a Kindle Unlimited deal thrown into a Kindle bundle and wonder what exactly Kindle Unlimited is. It's essentially Netflix for books: you pay a monthly subscription and get access to libraries upon libraries of novels. They're well-known names too, so you'll be very happy with what's out there. I signed up for the 3 month free trial when Amazon had a deal on and I've kept my subscription well beyond the trial.

So, there you have it. That's my big news for the summer. Kindle's Colorsoft range has expanded, opening up the more realistic, soulful world of reading to more people. I still love my Kindle Signature Edition and, if you chose to join the club, I highly recommend you pick up some Kindle accessories to complete your whole e-reader set-up. I love them.

We're a team of book lovers here at woman&home, and love nothing more than kicking back with a new novel or non-fiction book to broaden our minds.

This isn't just for fun – we plough through hundreds of books to bring you our summer book recommendations and the best Kindle book deals and audiobook deals and more.

But we're lucky enough to interview lots of celebrities and authors regularly, so couldn't resist asking a few of them what they're reading this summer. We've got recommendations here from Fearne Cotton, Fern Britton, Rob Rinder, authors Isabel Allende, Rachel Joyce and Lisa Jewell.

Fearne Cotton

Fern Britton

Rob Rinder

Isabel Allende

Rachel Joyce

Lisa Jewell

The reMarkable Paper Pro is undersold as an e-reader because that is just one of its many, many, many (many, many) offerings. This takes your notepad, your tablet, your newspapers, your PDFs, your book, your sketchpad, and your computer and combines them into one, slick screen, minus all the distractions of your daily life.

Even there, I feel I have undersold it. The reMarkable Paper Pro redefines premium in a way that even the best Kindles can’t. It’s crafted from eInk, with a convincing paper-like display. It has more than 20,000 different colours that can be displayed on the screen, backlit with an adjustable set of LEDs. Imagine if your notebook had superpowers. Now you're close to what this is like.

So, whilst we've all been caught up in the Kindle vs Kobo debate, we've missed the reMarkable Paper Pro. It's designed to improve focus, remove digital distractions, and unlock creativity. So, I set aside my stack of devices and switched in the reMarkable Paper Pro. Here's what I found.

What books are on offer on the reMarkable Paper Pro?

This is the first thing I look into with every e-reader I test, and with the reMarkable, it’s A LITTLE different. Unlike Kindles or Kobos, the reMarkable Paper Pro doesn’t come with its own store of novels, bestsellers, or beach reads. Instead, you’ll be syncing your device with the reMarkable app on your laptop or phone. From there, you can easily upload PDFs and EPUBs. That's because this prioritises being your tablet with the e-reader function as an extra talent. I was surprised by how much I liked it.

This very feature makes the reMarkable Paper Pro especially brilliant for reading articles, documents, and longer reads that you might already subscribe to online. If you want to get your hands on fiction or non-fiction, you’ll need to go through third-party stores that sell downloadable files, or use a tool like Calibre to convert formats.

I’ve even heard whispers that you can convert Kindle books to work on reMarkable, but that’s a rabbit hole Reddit can take you down. Suffice to say, reMarkable isn’t the easiest way to access a bestseller, but it’s brilliant for curated or personal content.

What is the display like on the reMarkable Paper Pro?

If you told me this screen was made from recycled notepads, I might believe you. It genuinely feels like writing on paper. In fact, before I read any marketing blurbs, I’d already scribbled in my notes (on the reMarkable, of course) that it felt like a classic pad. Turns out, that’s exactly what they were going for.

ReMarkable were one of the pioneers in making digital handwriting feel real. It's uncannily good, like a fountain pen gliding across a Moleskine, but without the smudges. And unlike traditional tablets, the screen doesn’t glare or glow at you, even when you’re reading outside. I took mine into the garden on a bright morning and could see every word clearly, without squinting.

At 10.2 inches, it’s closer in size to the Kindle Scribe than to a pocket-friendly Paperwhite. The upside is that you’ve got plenty of room to sketch, annotate, and read without zooming in and out. The downside is that it’s definitely a two-hander, or at least not a jacket-pocket kind of device.

Sunlight is no match for the reMarkable. The matte screen handles it like a pro—you could take it to the beach (though maybe keep the sand away from the stylus). It’s one of the only tablets I’ve used where illustrating or writing outdoors feels just as good as it does inside.

Speaking of drawing: it’s genuinely joyful. There’s no lag, no pixelation, no digital friction, just smooth strokes, subtle shading, and enough colour options to keep creative types happy. Artists, journalists, and students will find it especially satisfying.

Who would the reMarkable Paper Pro suit?

If you’ve ever caught yourself doodling in the margin of a to-do list or longing for the scratch of a pen, this is for you. The reMarkable Paper Pro is the digital lovechild of a premium notebook and a productivity tool. It brings back the tactile joy of handwriting, with none of the ink-stained cuffs.

The colour display is subtle but smart, perfect for highlighting articles, colour-coding notes, or annotating magazine pages. Plus, it’s intentionally distraction-free. No notifications, no TikTok temptations, just you and the screen. Honestly, it’s the kind of peace we could all use a little more of.

Academics, students, creatives, or anyone who thinks best through a pen, this one’s for you. Just note: if your dream e-reader experience involves downloading a thriller in 0.5 seconds from an on-device store, the Kindle or Kobo will be more your speed.

How responsive is the reMarkable Paper Pro?

Honestly, the reMarkable Paper Pro is magic. The writing-to-screen response is so natural it’s easy to forget you’re on a digital device. The stylus glides, taps, and even erases like a real pencil (though without the rubber shavings).

Shortcuts and gestures are slick and intuitive. Page turns are snappy, handwriting converts to text beautifully, and there was very little lag, even when I was flicking between notes and ebooks. The only moment of slight awkwardness came with a sudoku puzzle that needed some resizing, but even then, it was easy to fix.

Compared to older reMarkable models, this one feels like a serious upgrade. Whatever updates they’ve baked into the software, they’re working.

What is the battery life like on the reMarkable Paper Pro?

I’ve been using the reMarkable pretty much daily and only needed to charge it every two to three weeks. That’s including plenty of note-taking, sketching, and some light reading. While it doesn’t boast the months-long battery life of simpler e-readers, it still outperforms most tablets.

And when it does run low, the USB-C port makes for speedy charging, and it’s usually ready to go again before I’ve even finished a coffee.

What is the performance like on the reMarkable Paper Pro?

My family’s been a reMarkable household for years, so I can tell you: these things last. Even my brother’s older model still runs like a dream. The Paper Pro version feels even more refined, with speedy software updates every six weeks and a UI that stays impressively clutter-free.

ReMarkable does something not many devices do: it slows you down in the best possible way. With no pop-ups or distractions, you’re free to focus entirely on your work, notes, or current read. And the handwriting-to-text converter is a huge time-saver, especially for meeting notes or creative brainstorms.

What is the design like on the reMarkable Paper Pro?

The reMarkable Paper Pro is one of the most beautiful devices I’ve tested. Seriously, it’s all brushed metal, minimalist elegance, and sleek corners. It feels grown-up, purposeful, and premium in the best way.

There are no buttons to clutter the look, and the stylus snaps securely to the side with a satisfying click. Even after a chaotic commute in my handbag (which resembles a small handbag-shaped jungle), it stayed put.

How does the reMarkable Paper Pro compare?

Let’s break it down. Compared to the Kobo Libra Colour, the reMarkable is bigger, more premium-feeling, and far better for note-taking. The Libra Colour wins on built-in book access—it’s faster and easier to browse, buy, and read. If books are your main priority, Kobo has the edge. But if you need a tool for writing, sketching, and deep focus? reMarkable runs away with it.

As for the Kindle Scribe, it’s a strong contender. The Scribe has sharper resolution, seamless Amazon integration, and some clever AI features. But its note-taking feels more boxed in—literally. You’re confined to sticky-note style annotations, which can be a bit clunky. The reMarkable, on the other hand, lets you write wherever, however. It’s messier, yes—but more organic.

Should you buy the reMarkable Paper Pro?

If you want a no-nonsense digital notebook that feels anything but digital, the reMarkable Paper Pro is a real winner. It’s not for the casual page-turner who wants to whizz through Kindle Unlimited in a weekend. It is for the thinkers, scribblers, and pen-to-paper purists who want a calm, focused space to read, plan, and reflect.

You’ll need to work a little harder to get fiction onto it, and you won’t get quite the same glossy reading experience as you would with the best Kindles or Kobos, but that’s not what this is trying to do. This is paper 2.0. And honestly, it’s remarkable.

Kitting out your Kindle with accessories is almost as joyful as actually reading on one. In fact, the two go hand-in-hand. The right Kindle accessories don’t just make your e-reader look chic, they can completely elevate your reading experience, whether you’re curled up in bed, soaking in the bath, or sunbathing in the garden.

Naturally, I started my search for the best Kindle accessories with the best Kindle cases. I figured, if I was going to be taking my Kindle everywhere (from the sofa to a sunny bench in the park) it deserved to look the part and stay protected. But once I saw a gadget that props it up perfectly for hands-free reading (leaving my hands free for a cup of tea or a snack), I knew I was going to have to dig deeper.

So I did what any curious reader would do: I tested as many best Kindle accessories as I could get my hands on. Think everything from page-turning remotes to cute stickers and bath-proof holders. And along the way, I found myself wandering into Kindle vs Kobo debates and discovering accessories that work wonders for both. The ones that didn’t quite hit the mark have been quietly returned. As for the gems, I’m keeping those (and buying spares for every fellow bookworm in my life).

The best Kindle accessories, tested and approved by a book worm

These accessories don't just come from my recommendation (although I have loved and used them all), but they are also the product of book influencers and Kindle themselves. That's right, the case trick that I've included below is one that Kindle styled at one of their very own launch events that I attended. I quizzed the team and they approved of my other accessories too.

FAQs

Can I use Kindle accessories on other e-readers?

It depends on the accessory that you're looking at. In the list above, I have noted when Kindle accessories are also compatible with Kobos and other e-readera.

What's the best Kindle accessory?

The most important Kindle accessory, or at least the best place to start, is with a Kindle case. I've recommended a couple of covers, but I have a whole collection of recommendations over on our dedicated page for Kindle cases.

How do I know which Kindle model I have?

It helps you to know which model you have to help you find the right size and compatibility for your case and clicker. To determine your Kindle model, check the back of the device for the model number, usually in small print near the bottom

I've bought plenty more Kindle accessories over the years, but these are the ones that I've kept using in my home. They're also the ones used by book-tok celebrities, authors, and Kindle experts. I should know, I've done the research.

I can remember when e-readers were praised for being able to condense one book onto a screen. These days, they need to do more: note-taking, illustrating, reading, and researching. And one of the models that does it the best is the Kobo Elipsa 2E.

If you look at reviews of the Kobo Elipsa 2E you'll see plenty of people praising it. Most notably in comparison to one of the best Kindles you can buy, the Kindle Scribe.

As part of my delve into the great Kindles vs Kobos debate, I've pitted this against the Kindle Scribe, with its note-taking features. However, I've also pulled out the reMarkable and Kobo Libra Colour as worthy competitors. The only way to work out whether the Kobo Elipsa 2E is for you, is to find out what it was like for me to use.

Specifications

What books are on offer on the Kobo Elipsa 2E?

Kobo’s library is like a well-stocked bookshop that also moonlights as a digital librarian. You’ll mostly get your books via the Kobo Store, which features everything from beachy bestsellers to the classics you swore you’d read one day. Like Kindles, there's Kobo Plus, a subscription that gives you unlimited access to loads of titles, which is excellent if you devour books like snacks.

Here’s the clever bit that gets lots of people excited: the Elipsa 2E lets you borrow library books via OverDrive (provided your local library supports it), and it plays nicely with EPUBs, PDFs, and audiobooks too. Dropbox integration means you can upload research papers or recipes, scribble over them to your heart’s content, and then ping them back to your phone or tablet. It's basically a digital notebook that loves to read.

While I love Kobo’s bookish flexibility, in my house Amazon’s Kindle library still has the edge for sheer volume and variety: Kindle Unlimited, Prime Reading, Audible. You do get a lot. But compared to Kobo's Elipsa 2E, the Scribe’s note-taking feels oddly limited: your annotations show up like digital Post-Its and don’t carry across devices. With the Elipsa 2E, your thoughts feel a little more permanent.

What is the display like on the Kobo Elipsa 2E?

The Kobo Elipsa 2E makes quite the entrance with its 10.3-inch screen. It’s bigger than most paperbacks and perfect for those who love a large page view or plenty of room for notes. I've made an exaggerated example of how large it means you can get text on the screen. It's brilliant if you normally wear reading glasses. That said, it's not the easiest to cradle in one hand during a bedtime binge-read (we’ve all been there, wrestling with gravity in the dark).

Tech specs-wise, it boasts an E Ink Carta 1200 display with 227 ppi, ComfortLight PRO for soft illumination, and a dark mode. In normal speak, that translates to an e-reader that looks and feels like real paper, minus the glare and the eye-strain of a traditional screen. While 227 ppi is technically lower than the Kindle Scribe’s 300 ppi, I honestly didn’t notice a difference when reading. It’s subtle, not a dealbreaker.

The matte surface adds to that bookish charm, and it’s a dream to read in sunlight: no glare, just glorious words. As for illustrating, the stylus glides nicely, and the screen texture gives it just enough resistance to feel like sketching on real paper.

Who would the Kobo Elipsa 2E suit?

The Kobo Elipsa 2E is for those of us who want our e-reader to do more than just, well, read. It’s the largest Kobo in the line-up and feels the most like a proper notebook. So, if you want to brainstorm, doodle, mind-map, annotate, or draft your next novel on the go, this is your tablet.

It’s especially brilliant for anyone who prefers open formats like EPUB and PDF, or who loves the idea of borrowing books rather than buying every single one. I know academics and students who adore it for exactly this reason. It’s versatile, affordable (thanks to library loans), and super functional for research.

How responsive is the Kobo Elipsa 2E?

Now for the (briefly) geeky bit: the Elipsa 2E runs on a 2GHz dual-core MediaTek processor. In real life that means it’s fast. Page turns, scribbles, highlights, it keeps up beautifully.

The stylus experience is intuitive, too. You can double tap to turn messy handwriting into tidy text (a godsend for anyone who writes like a spider doing backflips), and circling a word instantly highlights it. These little gestures make it feel smart, like it's learning how you work, not the other way around.

I also loved being able to write directly onto pages. Unlike the Kindle Scribe’s sticky-note system, the Elipsa 2E lets you scribble freely on books, PDFs, and even blank pages. It’s a very satisfying mix of old-school pen and futuristic paper.

What is the battery life like on the Kobo Elipsa 2E?

Look, I’m not about to conduct a battery-drain test in a lab coat, but I can tell you this: my Kobo Elipsa 2E happily lasted three full weeks with daily reading and a fair bit of note-taking before it even blinked at a charger.

When it does need topping up, the USB-C port makes things simple (finally, one cable for everything!), and it powers up quickly.

What is the design like on the Kobo Elipsa 2E?

Despite being the biggest Kobo, the Elipsa 2E doesn’t feel like a brick in your bag. At just 390g, it’s 40 grams lighter than the Kindle Scribe, and it’s slim enough to slip into your tote without drama. The back has a subtle grip too, which makes it easier to hold without a case.

The stylus is well-designed, with a digital eraser at the back (a very satisfying nod to school pencil cases), and it attaches magnetically to the side so you’re not constantly losing it at the bottom of your handbag.

What is the performance like on the Kobo Elipsa 2E?

This one really surprised me. For something that looks like an e-reader, the Kobo Elipsa 2E performs more like a tablet in disguise. It's snappy, efficient, and rarely lagged, even when I had several documents open or was jumping between books and notes.

Writing on it feels seamless. There’s minimal lag between pen and page, and the writing experience is clean and fluid. If you’re someone who enjoys journaling or brainstorming on the go, this could totally replace your notebook.

How does the Kobo Elipsa 2E compare?

Let’s get to it: Kobo vs Kindle. If you’re already deep in the Kindle ecosystem, the Scribe will feel familiar. It has a sharper display, an elegant metal body, and some clever AI features, like summarising your notes or generating to-do lists (although, be warned, these are still a bit hit-and-miss).

But if you're the kind of reader who likes choice and flexibility, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is the better all-rounder. EPUBs, PDFs, OverDrive, Dropbox—it all just works. I also found the writing experience more natural. It feels like Kobo is trying to make reading and writing blend beautifully, not keep them in separate boxes.

Then, within the world of Kobos, the Libra Colour is the next toughest contender. The Libra is smaller, but the screen offers colour resolution. You can scribble on your books and enjoy vivid magazines, but you won't have the note function on offer with the Elipsa. The Libra is for enhanced reading, whereas the Elipsa covers notebook functions too.

Should you buy the Kobo Elipsa 2E?

If you’re looking for an e-reader that doubles as a notebook, and maybe even a bit of a sketchpad, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is a joy. It’s not the cheapest model out there, but for what it offers, it earns its place.

Having owned a Kindle Paperwhite for years now and love it, I was not expecting to like its bigger sibling, the Kindle Scribe. But it is unexpectedly brilliant, so much so it has become my favourite all-in-one device.

Let me explain, the Kindle Scribe is, first and foremost, an eReader and works, in that respect, in exactly the same way as all other Amazon Kindle models. However, the major difference with this model is its size and added functionality. With a 10.2-inch screen and weighing 433g, it is over three inches bigger and 200 grams heavier than the Kindle Paperwhite, which, when you are holding to read is a significant difference. There are pros to this too, though - the device being bigger enables much more copy to fit on a 'page'.

But the Scribe has hidden talents, and is so much more than just an eReader, offering an in-built digital notebook with a plethora of formatting options, AI tools, and a stylus that not only allows you to use said notebooks but also make mark up books already downloaded in your Kindle library.

I'll be honest, the latter feature is one I didn't know I needed, but now would never want to be without. Being able to make notes on the pages of a book would normally mean me scribbling in them in pencil or writing them in a separate notebook. The Scribe means I can do it directly on a page without ruining it, and are organised in a way where they are very easily found.

I would never have expected to position the Kindle Scribe as one of the best Kindles you can buy, but the combination of having a handy productivity tool built into a device that allows me to read whenever and wherever I want makes for a very compelling case.

It is significantly more expensive than other Kindle models. At £379 it retails for over £200 more than the Paperwhite, which seems like a lot, but accounts for the additional size, added functionality and fantastic stylus. Having used various digital styluses over the years, I would say the Scribe stylus is up there with the best of them, and helps justify some of the additional cost.

However it's worth keeping an eye on the Amazon Prime sale for any discounts. Right now the Kindle Scribe (2024) has dropped to its lowest price ever - £279.99 - in the Amazon Prime Day sale, making it amazing value.

Kindle Scribe (2024): Specifications

Who would the Kindle Scribe (2024) suit?

If it's an eReader you want simply for reading, I wouldn't recommend the Kindle Scribe – the Kindle Paperwhite is the best model for that. Where the Scribe excels is rolling that functionality in with note-taking. In a similar way an eReader saves me from lugging multiple heavy books around with me, the Kindle Scribe does the same from a notebook perspective.

A heavy note-taker, I have always carried at least two notebooks around with me, which is a heavy and cumbersome affair. The Kindle Scribe takes all of that away, offering everything I need in a thin, sleek, much lighter than multiple notebooks device with a digital stylus that is a pleasure to use.

The Kindle Scribe is also a brilliant tool for anyone who enjoys annotating books. You can write directly on a page with the stylus included, which the Kindle then places neatly in the closest space. The formatting options also place notes in a margin, and summarised via page to make finding them a cinch.

The biggest downside for me is the size of the Kindle Scribe as an eReader - it's big and heavy to hold for long periods of time. But it's easily manageable using a stand or placing on my lap to read, and I just love the fact that it gives me access to my book collection in between work. There is also the option to pair it with Bluetooth headphones to listen to an audiobook, which, with the size of this device is a welcome option.

The Kindle Scribe doesn't have page turning buttons (much to my dismay - I love them), however the screen is quick and very responsive to touch 'turn' the page. It also isn't waterproof, so definitely not the best eReader option for use by the sea or pool.

This Kindle model is the most expensive of the range, which accounts for the built-in notebook, AI functionality that helps refine and summarise notes and the bigger device. However, if you predominantly want a device for reading, I would definitely opt for the classic Kindle or a Kindle Paperwhite.

Kindle Scribe (2024): Design

The Kindle Scribe is sleek, slim, and weighs slightly less than a 9th Generation iPad, so it's highly portable. The 10.2-inch screen is incredibly bright and clear, and the body is made of aluminium, which gives it a polished and elegant appearance.

The Metallic Jade color is such a refreshing change from black or silver and really stands out. The back of the device, however is slippery and easily collects fingerprints. Like most Kindle devices, a case is a must to not only keep it protected but prevent it from slipping out of your hands.

A personal highlight of the Kindle Scribe is the side placement of the power button. On both the classic Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite, the power button is at the bottom of the device, and I used to regularly press it accidentally mid-read, which isn't an issue here.

It's a premium device and you can feel that when using the stylus on the screen, which has a surprisingly natural feel when you consider it's actually note-taking on textured glass.

Kindle Scribe (2024): Display

The big, beautiful screen on the Kindle Scribe is the same high quality as the Paperwhite. The crisp monochrome display has auto adjusting light, which is clear to see in action when I use it in the evenings with more ambient lighting. However, I will say the adjustment doesn't seem as accurate as that of its smaller sibling. That said, the soft light is incredibly gentle on the eyes, and I have never had to manually adjust the screen lighting when in use.

Kindle Scribe (2024): Performance & Highlights

The Kindle Scribe performance is good enough as an eReader, is the best way to describe it. It's not blisteringly quick, but also not frustratingly slow. The page turn is responsive to touch and quick, and at no point have I been aware of the device's performance from a negative perspective.

Where the Kindle Scribe excels in its performance is the stylus - it glides across the beautiful big screen with no lag whatsoever. Using the pen feels very natural to use, the pressure and weight of the stroke making for a very satisfying experience.

Amazon has added many features to take advantage of the stylus too. There is a tool bar, which has a pen option, where you can choose from a bog standard pen, fountain pen, felt tip and pencil. You can also pick from four different stroke weights, the differences between which come in really handy when writing and adding notes.

There is a highlighter, which, tidies up your markings if you haven't got the steadiest of hands, an eraser and tools to insert comment boxes as big or as little as you like within book pages

Other key highlights include AI notebook tools, which are a bit hit and miss depending on what you use them for. Simply write in a notebook, click the AI tools button and it can either summarise or refine your handwritten notes (which is actually really helpful if, like me, your handwriting has suffered after many years of typing instead).

Kindle Scribe (2024): Battery

I have used the Kindle Scribe everyday for at least 30 minutes, mostly for note-taking, annotating, and using the AI notebook features and I nearly five weeks passed before I need to charge it. Kindles are renowned for having incredibly battery life, and the Scribe is no exception. The amount of use you can get from this device on a full charge is really quite remarkable. It charges via USB-C cable, which comes included in the price.

Should you buy the Kindle Scribe (2024)?

If you are a heavy note taker and would benefit from having a variety of notebook styles at your disposal, without carrying loads around, the Kindle Scribe is hard to beat. The writing experience is really enjoyable, and having a great productivity tool that also allows you access to all your favourite reads is a device I didn't know I needed but now wouldn't be without.

We all know summer is about reading - when we can put our feet up and dive into our favourite genre, whether that’s heart-racing thrillers, swoon-worthy romances or empowering non-fiction.

This summer’s picks from me, woman&home's books editor, include the final instalment in Anthony Horowitz's Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders trilogy, and Fern Britton’s uplifting new novel A Cornish Legacy.

Thriller lovers will devour Karin Slaughter’s latest novel, about two teenagers who go missing, and if it’s non-fiction you’re after, look no further than The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Sawyer Robbins, a brilliant self-help guide on how to stop wasting energy on what you can’t control and focus on things that matter.

Wanderlust reads

Insightful non-fiction

Crime fiction and thrillers

Romances and heartfelt stories

Fantasy and sci-fi

Historical settings

Literary phenomenon Taylor Jenkins Reid first entered our consciousness with the hedonistic novel Daisy Jones & The Six. Following a fictional rock band inspired by Fleetwood Mac, it was later turned into a successful TV series starring Elvis’ granddaughter, Riley Keough.

Taylor's vivid stories, set in key historic moments, feature unforgettable characters grappling with their past. Her latest novel, Atmosphere, set in the 1980s, is a love story set against the backdrop of the memorable space-shuttle programme.

At a time when female astronauts were still a rarity, protagonist Joan Goodwin - a professor of physics and astronomy - comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle programme, and is thrilled when her application is successful.

Training alongside a varied group of ambitious astronauts, she discovers a new side of herself, exploring the stars and finding a love she never imagined. But in December 1984, one mission changed everything.

It’s an unforgettable story with characters who stay with you long after the final chapter, so deservedly won a place in our shortlist of summer book recommendations. Taylor tells us more...

"When I finished Carrie Soto is Back, I wanted to do something different and go somewhere I’d never been before. I had delved into all these male-dominated spaces and enjoyed writing about the females who occupy them. I thought, ‘What’s a male-dominated environment that makes me curious about the women who thrive in it?’ It was then I wondered what it would be like to navigate NASA as a woman and be aboard a spaceship.

"Astronauts are so courageous. They know they are putting their life on the line and trying to push forward our understanding of the world. It’s so much bigger than their own achievement."

"Since having my daughter, this novel was my first opportunity to explore what it’s like to be a mum as a writer. The lead character in Atmosphere, space trainee Joan Goodwin, has a special relationship with her niece, Frances. I was grateful to have an outlet to write about what it feels like to adore a child and centre your whole life around them. There’s a desire to achieve, but you need to ask what is filling your soul and who you are.

"I’ve written about the limitations on queer romances in society – and it’s a real part of their lives – but I wanted to keep the focus on how joyful Joan and Vanessa’s love is in Atmosphere. So finding a balance between being realistic about how the world works, but still giving them the space to be happy in their day-to-day lives, is something I worked very hard on.

"I knew nothing about space. There were times I’d declare I couldn’t do it. It was the first time I couldn’t find the answers in a book. I was humbled at who showed up when I searched for help, including one of the former flight directors at NASA, Paul Dye. He helped me with the technical aspects and how astronauts are always thinking of a contingency if something doesn’t work. He was incredibly helpful.

"I write about women who feel real to me. It’s what I see in my friends or in the world. I don’t put as much focus on likeability as much as I believe this person exists, which means they are flawed and make mistakes. But then they do something wonderful and surprising.

"I knew when I was writing The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo that I was changing the kind of writer I was. It was a turning point and I knew it was the book I was supposed to write. But that book didn’t take off until Daisy Jones did. Daisy got all the attention. I wanted to shout out, ‘Guys, if you like Daisy, you might like Evelyn.’ When they did discover her, the reaction was huge. That was the book I felt so connected to, so I was thrilled people found it."

"I’ve given a bit of myself to each one of my characters. But when I look at Daisy Jones, I realise I didn’t put a lot of myself in her – more so in Billy. Seeing what a beautiful job Sam Claflin did in the TV adaptation, I told him I saw parts of my character come alive in his role as Billy, which I hadn’t realised before. His vulnerabilities were so real to me.

"When I wrote my first story, I wanted to see if I could do it. I had no illusions about it going anywhere – what changed that was the support of my friends. It was a short story, but my friends and husband were so encouraging and forced me to take myself seriously. I don’t know if I would have had the courage to do it without them."

Once upon a time, the e-reader world was dominated by Kindles. But recently, I’ve noticed another name popping up more and more: Kobo. The Kobo Clara Colour might not be the first model that springs to mind when you're browsing for a new eReader, but trust me, it deserves a moment in the spotlight. It's charming, practical, and (spoiler alert) surprisingly affordable.

The Kobo Clara Colour delivers on all the must-haves you’d expect from the best Kindles: it's waterproof, lightweight, lovely to hold, turns pages with a snap, and gives you access to endless library shelves. It makes a strong contender in the Kindle vs Kobo debate. That all sounds like the happily-ever-after, right? Well, there's more to the story.

Not only does the Kobo Clara Colour earn its place as one of the best eReaders I’ve tested, it adds little magical touches that make a big difference. It’s not flashy, but it transforms everyday reading into something a bit more special. So, let me take you through what makes this one a bit of a modern fairytale in its own right.

Kobo Clara Colour: Books on offer

Before we get into anything else, let's talk about the books on offer. This is one of the first questions that crops up in the Kindle vs Kobo debate and I think it'll be one of the main factors that drives your decision making.

The Kobo Clara Colour offers access to the full Kobo book store as well as OverDrive Support. If you're planning on reading different formats (PDFs, EPUBs, MOBIs) you will be able to on here, because it's really versatile. The Kobo Libra Colour covers even more niches, but this is more than the average reader would need anyway.

The Kobo book store is interesting. Historically, I've been dedicated to Kindle Unlimited and Audible, so it took me some time to adjust to the set-up on the Kobo Clara Colour. In truth, it's almost identical, once you're past the formatting differences. The Kindle book store has some Kindle original and exclusive books, but you'll find all the best-sellers and chart-toppers in the Kobo store for a very similar price.

I would recommend signing up for Kobo Plus, which works a lot like Kindle Unlimited. The first month is free, so you have nothing to lose. This way, you can explore the different genres on offer. It's a little less vast than Kindle Unlimited, but nonetheless gives you access to plenty of great reads.

It's also worth noting that you can access library books on the Kobo Clara Colour (if your local library also supports this system). I've found that this is the second most economical way to read (after Kobo Plus) and it's something that isn't on offer with Kindles. Big win for Kobo.

Kobo Clara Colour: Display

As someone who already has small hands, I love the Kobo Clara Colour. The 6-inch E Ink screen is really easy to cup in one hand, even for me. It doesn't feel like you're reading on a phone; this is definitely comparable to the size of some paperbacks, but it feels like a convenient size. A good example of this is that the Kobo Clara Colour is the only e-Reader that I can slip into my handbag with my keys and phone. And, as you can see in the picture, my handbag is tiny.

The Kaleido 3 colour screen gives a good amount of contrast and colour on book covers, magazine pages, cookbooks and the likes. It's one of the least vivid colour models that I've used, but it's also the cheapest. Had I not had the luxuries of the Kindle Coloursoft and the Kobo Libra Colour (both of which are at least £100 more), I wouldn't have complained about this. It gives enough brightness to make the books feel like I'm reading an actual book rather than a black and white tablet imitation of a book.

Who would the Kobo Clara Colour suit?

The Kobo Clara Colour is perfect for those who want a simple, compact eReader that's elevated ever-so-slightly from the norm. It's still compact, simple, and reasonably priced, but you've got the addition of colour screens to help make highlighting and images that little bit more special. It's casual colour without breaking the bank.

I think this is really perfect if you plan on doing a lot of light magazine browsing, or if you're going to use your eReader as a cookbook or a travel guide too.

Naturally, this is more expensive than a basic black-and-white Kindle and less versatile than the Kobo Libra, which supports stylus function (for annotations). That's why I put it firmly in the casual, but colourful category. I think it's brilliant value for what you get.

Kobo Clara Colour: Responsiveness

Having read on this for nearly a month, I'm really impressed with the overall performance and interactivity on the Kobo Clara Colour. The page turns are snappy, navigation is smooth, and I don't ever find myself tapping my fingers waiting for the Kobo to catch up.

As with all colour e-readers, you might notice some ghosting with colour pages. This actually isn't something that I experienced, but I've read about it on other reviews, so it would be remiss of me not to mention it.

Kobo Clara Colour: battery life

Kobo promises six weeks of battery life with standard use of the Kobo Clara Colour, although some people report the battery life running down if you're reading lots of colourful books or making use of the Bluetooth and audiobook function.

Six weeks is a great battery life from an e-reader, especially one that's in colour. One thing that makes this extra appealing is that it charges incredibly quickly. I plugged this in when I first opened it and 20 minutes later the battery was full. I've sat it on standby and had it lit up for reading, photos, testing and more and the battery has held up really well.

Kobo Clara Colour: performance

Not only does the size make the perfect fit for my hand, it feels great. Even though this is lighter and more compact, it actually doesn't feel cheaper. The plastic build is really solid, so that's why I'm so happy to pop it in a handbag and take it on my travels with me.

I've found this works really well in a vast range of settings. I've been reading on this in the midday sun, in the pitch black hours late at night (Frieda McFadden's books will do that to you) and in lots of different light and glare settings. The screen has always stood up: I've not had to squint at words at all.

Whilst this is a smaller screen, Kobo still offers lots of handy features that you can tweak to suit your reading. The font size can grow to be massive (we're talking at most two words per line) and you can change the font, margins, justification, space between the lines, and more. There's also a neat shortcut where you can slide a finger down and up the margin to change the brightness automatically. It's great if you want a quick change.

Of course, there's the other big bonus that this has colour on the screen. As I said, it's not quite as vivid as some other models, but it is nonetheless fantastic for an e-reader.

How does the Kobo Clara Colour compare?

Given how great this is, you're probably wondering how the Kobo Clara stacks up against other e-readers. If you're thinking about which Kindles are the equivalent to the Kobo Clara Colour, you have two options. First, the Kindle Colorsoft. This feels a little slicker and more premium, not in the least because it's over £100 more expensive. The Kindle's screen is one inch bigger, it's slightly slimmer, and the colours are definitely more vivid. You also have the benefit of it being waterproof, so the Coloursoft is much more beach friendly. For some, that will justify the extra spend, for others, it might not.

On the other side of comparisons is the Amazon Kindle. This is their most basic model. It retails at just under £100, so it's about £50 cheaper than the Kobo Clara Colour. This one has the same screen size (although the Kindle doesn't offer colour here) and it also isn't waterproof. The edge that this Kindle has is colour options (Kindle offer it in matcha, pink, and black), whereas Kobo is one standard colour. If you're not fussed about the Kindle vs Kobo debate and you'll take the cheapest model, the Kindle is a great buy. The reading experience is good and I don't think you'd miss the colour if you mostly read fiction. However, if you want a touch of elevation and a more realistic experience, I love the Kobo Clara Colour.

In the world of Kobos, the next step up from the Clara is the Libra. This is very similar, except the screen is one inch bigger, the e-reader is waterproof, and you can annotate your books in the margins. Lots of these are luxuries that you certainly don't need, but they are nice to have if you can find a deal that brings the price of the Libra down.

Should you buy the Kobo Clara Colour?

If you're trying to be savvy, but you also want to treat yourself, this is the perfect eReader. It's not too fancy, but not too basic. You can hold it in one hand, confidently put it in a handbag, and enjoy seeing colour on your screen without breaking the bank. I have given it the title as the best value eReader, also known as the Goldilocks.

How we test

I’ve tested every Kobo model for woman&home, and I’ve also been using Kindles for well over a decade (I got my first one in 2012—just a few years after they first launched in 2008). So why am I the one reviewing this e-reader for you? It’s not just down to experience with the tech, but also because reading is genuinely a huge part of my life. I studied English at Oxford, I read while walking, I even read on the cross-trainer at the gym (yes, really), and I usually get through six or seven books a week.

All of that means I’m in a great position to give e-readers a proper workout, not just a quick once-over. I’ve also never been one to automatically love digital reading. In fact, when I was 12, I gave an impassioned speech at a county competition about how irreplaceable physical books are. So trust me when I say I approach these reviews with a critical eye.

My goal here is to give you the fairest, most well-rounded view of the Kobo Clara Colour—the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between. And if you still have questions after reading, feel free to get in touch. I could talk about books all day.

When Kindle discontinued the Oasis, I was nothing short of devastated. Those page turn buttons are a godsend and, in my mind, they made it the best Kindle on the market. Since I lost my chance to get my hands on one, I’ve been putting in some research and that’s when I found the Kobo Libra Colour.

Not only does this have page turn buttons, it comes with a colour screen (even though it’s still e-ink) as well as compatibility with markers, so you can scribble in the margins, highlight in colour, and enjoy ebooks in their fullest, brightest form.

So, maybe losing the Kindle Oasis was a good thing, because I think the Kobo Libra Colour is better. A lot better actually.

Kobo Libra Colour: Books on offer

Let’s not beat around the books, what does the Kobo Libra Colour offer in the way of libraries? The good news is that this is one of their most versatile models, so you’ve got full access to the Kobo store as well as OverDrive support. In practice, this means you can read all the best-sellers that you spy in Waterstones’ windows and, if you’re lucky, your library can loan you books on your Kobo.

For those reading downloads, the Kobo Libra Colour also has a wide file compatability, so it can support plenty of different formats including EPUB, PDF, MOBI and more. You can get your academic papers, your comics, your magazines and more.

When I started out with the Kobo Libra Colour, I signed up for Kobo Plus, which is free for the first month. Whilst it is a little more limited in comparison to the books that you have access to through Kindle Unlimited, there’s still a decent selection of page-turners on offer. I’ve not been short of reading fodder. Fiction, non-fiction, and visual readers, browse your heart out.

Kobo Libra Colour: Display

As you can see, the Kobo Libra Colour has some big wins going its way in terms of display. The 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 colour screen is easy to look at, both inside and outside of the house. The brightness can be set to automatically adjust, or I tended to swipe down the side of the screen, because that is a shortcut for adjusting the brightness yourself.

The menu, which offer access, to brightness, saturation, and plenty of other tools is one of the most versatile offerings I’ve seen. I managed to get something good contrast and decent colour on the covers of books and in the pages of the magazines that I was browsing. It’s not a tablet, but as an e-reader, this is pretty good.

The icing on the cake of this display is that it supports a stylus, so you can make notes, rub them out, and highlight until your heart is content. I’m a perpetual student, so all my books get scribbled over. Having this feature is a true treat and a real rarity.

Compared to the other Kindles and Kobos that I've tested this is one of the best. A 7-inch screen is larger than the basic models, but still compact enough to hold in one hand. It's nice and sharp (certainly sharper than the basic Kobo Clara Colour), so I was really pleased to snuggle up to read with this.

Who would the Kobo Libra Colour suit?

Aside from the simple answer ‘me’’ (my birthday is in October FYI), there are plenty of Kobo Libra Colour candidates. The page turn buttons stand out, because they’re one of the most asked for features on Kindles, so I know it’s not just me that wants them back.

Beyond that, the colour screen is brilliant for those who will be reading non-fiction, travel books, magazines, and comics. Whilst the colour is not as vivid as in real life, it’s a step up from different shades of black and white. I actually don’t dip into too many of those categories, but I really liked having the extra colour on my book covers, the screen, and when I was using highlighters. I think it’s a psychological thing, because it made the whole experience feel more ‘real’ - my highlighters aren’t grey in real life, so it was nice to have them look vivid on here too.

The other big perk is note taking, which is a brilliant extra for all of us scribblers and jotters. Again, it enhances the interactive nature of the book and doesn’t cost much more than a basic model. I could really see this appealing to semi-serious readers or those who want to use the Kobo for cookbooks, because that's when light note-taking comes in really handy. If you want a proper, enriched e-reader experience, it’s being handed to you on the page.

Kobo Libra Colour: Responsiveness

I'm pleased to report that this is snappy. All my page turner summer reads could live up to their name sake, both when I used buttons and when I tapped onto the screen. All the navigations were smooth, even folding the corner of the book is made easy with a light tap.

The stylus is a great accessory to have and it is uncannily like having a pen or pencil. There isn’t any delay there, so reading can be a priority.

The one criticism I have found others write about is some slight’ ghosting’ on the colour pages, which is where it transfers across the last image onto your new page. Readers always described it as ‘minimal’ and I haven’t had this problem yet, so I have a hunch that this is a bug that has since been fixed.

Kobo Libra Colour: battery life

Kobo promises a four to six week battery life with standard use, an impressive number. When mine first arrived it had fully charged in half an hour (even more impressive) and I’ve been reading for at least one hour every evening, with more time at the weekend, and I’m yet to need a recharge. It’s been one month, for context.

Other users have suggested that the more you use features, such as highlighting, brightness, and Bluetooth can run the battery a little harder, but this doesn’t seem to be a major problem. The operative words in lots of reviews seemed to be ‘slightly’ and ‘a little.’ In my mind, that’s not something that needs us to really worry about.

Kobo Libra Colour: performance

I’ve been reading in my bed with the lights out, in the garden at midday, on the tube, and on the train and I am really impressed with how consistently this has maintained its speed, colour, and general performance. The menus that offer statistics on reading speed and font size are clear and easy to navigate, so I feel like I’ve been getting great use out of what could be a complicated tablet.

I also loaned this to my mum. If you have read any of my reviews, you will know she is the person peering over my shoulder and borrowing anything that I like. She’s a very useful tester, especially in the context of reading.

As a woman in her sixties, she’s read her fair share of books in good and bad light. Now, she’s not sleeping well and is resisting wearing reading glasses glasses, which makes the night time a bit of a struggle for her: she can’t read without the lights on full brightness and the book a full arm’s length away from her, which isn't conducive for sleep.

I thought the Kobo Libra Colour could actually offer her a great solution for reading at night and I was right. She resists a lot of technology, but fully embraced this. Enlarging the text size actually made the words too big for her, so she was able to dial it back (something she felt very smug about.) She told me “I can read in the dead of night and doze back off to sleep, because the light is so gentle. And then in the daytime, I’ve been reading under the sun and I’ve been reading in the bath (it’s waterproof, don’t worry.) It’s really great Laura, you should get one.” I know, mum, you’re using my Kobo.

Kobo fight aside, we both loved it and she was playing around with the font size, font type (you can change the one that you’re reading from if you’re not a fan), and rotate the book to landscape or portrait.

It's also worth noting that this is pretty much the perfect size. It's compact, feels premium, and where the page-turn buttons sit, makes for a really nice asymmetrical place to grip. As someone who has quite small hands, I didn’t have many moments where this toppled out of my grasp, which is great.

How does the Kobo Libra Colour compare?

So, it doesn’t take Sherlock Holmes to work out that both my mum and like this. I have been using a Kindle since 2012, so has this done enough to convince me that should convert to a Kobo? I’m actually tempted to say yes (I did a deep dive into the Kindle vs Kobo debate, if you're interested to find out more). In the absence of Kindle’s Oasis, this is the best e-reader you can buy for the page-turn buttons. Plus, you have the extras of colours and annotations.

The closest Kindles for comparison now are the Kindle Colorsoft (their only model with a coloured screen) or the Kindle Scribe (the only model that will allow annotations.) I love the Kindle Colorsoft: it’s slightly easier for my small hands to hold, the colour is ever so slightly more vivid, and I’m generally more of a natural Amazon user (I have Kindle Unlimited and Audible), so I’m pretty locked in. After using the Kobo Libra Colour, I did find myself reaching for the stylus to scribble a note and missing the page turn buttons. Given that these two are a similar price.

The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference: to you want to use Amazon’s bookshelves or Kobo’s library? And how much do you think you’ll use page turn buttons?

Compared to the Kindle Scribe (RRP £329.99), the Kobo Libra Colour (RRP £210) is a cheap option. That’s because this doesn’t have the same extra features as the Kindle: you won’t use it as a notepad-come-tablet, it’s an e-reader that lets you scribble in the margins. The bonus is that the Kobo sits nicely in a hand, compared to the bigger scribe. Again, you’ve got colour options and page turn buttons, which the Kindle Scribe lacks.

It sounds like a lot of comparisons, but I have one more e-reader that wants to throw a ring in the hat. The basic Amazon Kindle (RRP £94.99) or the classic Kobo Clara Colour (£149.99). If you actually only read fiction, there’s a strong argument that you don’t need a colour e-reader. You can pocket the extra £100 and spend that on books for the next couple of years. I don’t think you’d miss the colours; they’re certainly a luxury rather than a necessity and it’s easy to get caught up on all the little details. Fundamentally, these get the job done.

Should you buy the Kobo Libra Colour?

Margin magpies, colourful readers, and those who want a more realistic e-reader experience will love this. I can’t fault any aspect of the Kobo Libra Colour, as you know, it has both mine and my mum’s stamp of approval, which, if you ask my partner, is no mean peat to snag.

How we test

I’ve been doing all of our Kobo tests at woman&home and I’ve also been a long-time Kindle user (since 2012 — they only came out in 2008.) The reason I’m the one telling you about these is not just my long standing history using them, but also my reading background. I am a dedicated bookworm: I studied English at Oxford University, I read while I walk, I read when I’m in the gym (I know, I should be working harder), and I get through about six or seven books in a week. This means that I can really put these e-readers to the test. I’m not a pushover, in fact, I’ve historically been very critical of ebooks (I gave a passionate speech at a county public speaking competition when I was 12 about how special tangible books are). With that in mind, I aim to give you the most balanced review of an e-reader possible. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to email me. I could chat about books all day long.

For years, Kindle has been the default answer to the question, "Which eReader should I buy?" I've been reading on Kindles since 2012, and for a long time I didn't see much reason to look elsewhere. But in recent years, Kobo has built a loyal following of its own, winning over readers with features that Amazon either charges extra for, or doesn't offer at all. As the Kobo reputation grew, naturally, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

To settle the Kindle vs Kobo debate for myself, I swapped my trusty Kindle for several Kobo models and spent weeks reading, browsing, borrowing books, and testing features side-by-side. What I discovered is that there isn't one clear winner. Instead, the right eReader depends entirely on what kind of reader you are and how you like to buy, borrow, and enjoy your books. And, of course, which deals are on offer over Amazon Prime Day.

The best Kindles still excel when it comes to simplicity. The devices are easy to use, Amazon's ebook store is enormous, and frequent ebook deals make building a digital library surprisingly affordable. Kobo, meanwhile, offers a different kind of appeal. Many models support library borrowing, colour displays, note-taking, and, crucially for some readers, physical page-turn buttons that Amazon abandoned when it retired the Kindle Oasis. If you're weighing up which ecosystem deserves a place in your reading life, I've broken down the key differences, strengths, and compromises to help you decide. So, pop the kettle on and let's turn the page on the Kindle vs Kobo debate.

Kindle vs Kobo: a quick comparison

Now, I know I'm talking to fellow book enthusiasts, but I also know we are time poor. So, if you want a quick summary of the Kindle vs Kobo debate, here it is.

If you skim read all the Kindle vs Kobo threads and debates, you see that Kindles are more locked into the Amazon ecosystem. It's a brilliant world of books and you get access to Audible and Amazon originals, which is brilliant. However, if you want some flexibility and freedom, Kobos open a few more doors. You can borrow books from your local library and read across different formats.

Kindle vs Kobo: my recommendations

• Best for fiction lovers: Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Clara Colour
• Best for colour content: Kobo Libra Colour
• Best for students and note-takers: Kobo Elipsa 2E or Kindle Scribe
• Best for audiobook fans: Kindle (with Audible)
• Best for library users: Kobo (OverDrive integration)
• Best value overall: Kobo Clara Colour for colour on a budget
  

Kindle vs Kobo: books and content access

The books you have access to are the key to choosing your eReader. After all, reading is quite literally in the name of these products. Kindle, unsurprisingly, links directly to Amazon. And they do a brilliant job of making browsing, buying, and downloading books really easy. Amazon runs special schemes that give you access to Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading, which opens the door to thousands of books at no extra cost. Audible nooks are also seamlessly integrated into the Kindle ecosystem, especially if you're using a Kindle with Bluetooth. I am both a Kindle Unlimited and Audible subscriber and I wouldn't go back. I've never felt limited by the books on offer for me to read and listen to and the Audible Original and Amazon exclusive collections are often genuinely good. If you're quick about it Amazon is offering a free subscription right now at the moment, so you can cancel at any time.

Kobo, on the other hand, has its own Kobo Plus store, which isn't quite as extensive as Amazon's. It covers all the main genres and bestsellers and they have their own set-up for free access to books, called Kobo Plus (which also comes with a free one-month trial). Compared to Kindle Unlimited, the deal isn't quite as good, but there's one big win: library borrowing. Kobo supports OneDrive, so if your local library offers digital loans, you can borrow books directly on your device. It's a big win.

Kindle vs Kobo: display and reading experience

Both Kindle and Kobo use e-Ink technology, which makes for a really nice reading experience. Kindle’s Paperwhite and Signature Edition models have crisp 300ppi screens, adjustable warm lighting, and glare-free displays. They’re fantastic in all lighting conditions, especially reading in the sun.

Kindles models all allow you to change the brightness, warmth, word size, and all your classic settings, such as highlighting and definitions. Kobo offers all the same, but with even more versatility. The words can be made much bigger than on the Kindle and you haven the option to change the brightness without even opening the settings (you just run a finger up the side of the page).

Kobo’s newer models go one step further with colour screens (only available on Kindle's new Colorsoft range). The Clara Colour and Libra Colour use Kaleido 3 technology, which means you can enjoy colour highlights, annotations using the stylus, vibrant book covers, and more immersive magazine reading. It's not tablet-level colour, but it's subtle and lovely for visual readers. Ever the student, I really love having a pencil that I can underline and scribble notes with as I'm reading. If you, like me, read with a pencil in hand or like interactive books, such as sudoku, it's a brilliant extra to have access to (without having to pay top whack for an eReader notebook, such as the Kindle Scribe.)

If you do want to take things to the next level, as if it was a tablet, the reMarkable, Kindle Scribe, and Elipsa 2E, while not in colour, have larger screens, which perfect for PDFs and big, bold reading.

Kindle vs Kobo: note-taking and productivity features

If you’re someone who likes jotting down ideas or scribbling in the margins, both Kindle and Kobo now offer options. The Kindle Scribe and Kobo Elipsa 2E both support stylus input and handwriting-to-text conversion.

I found Kobo’s note-taking features a little more flexible, you can write directly on eBooks (depending on the file), annotate PDFs easily, and save everything to Dropbox. The Kobo Libra Colour also supports the Kobo stylus, so it’s a great all-rounder if you want colour and handwriting without the bulk of the Elipsa.

Meanwhile, Kindle Scribe is beautifully designed and perfect for journaling or planning, but you’re more limited when it comes to writing on eBooks directly.

Kindle vs Kobo: audiobooks and bluetooth

Kindle wins for audiobook fans thanks to its Audible integration. You can buy or download audiobooks and switch between reading and listening, often from the same point in your book. It’s slick, seamless, and works really well, just make sure your Kindle model supports Bluetooth.

Kobo has its own audiobook store and also uses Bluetooth, but you can’t swap between formats mid-book in the same way. Still, if you’re happy listening start-to-finish, it’s a perfectly good experience and great for long walks or cosy evenings in.

Kindle vs Kobo: design and usability