Good Morning Lovelies, 

As many of us prepare to get back into the swing of things, whether that be returning to school or work, we are already wishing we were back celebrating all the festive things that December brought! However, whilst I am missing it all, I really am looking forward to what the new year is going to bring. Including the great books that we can fall into! 

This January, I have gathered a whole host of feel good books to help us start the year well, which are out on display at Hertford Library now. They can be found online and in many book shops too, but if you can support your local library this year, please do lovelies! You will love them so much for introducing you to the following…

Book Of The Month: There’s Always Next Year by Leah Johnson and George M Johnson: Presenting both points of views, this love story sees two friends coming together after years spent apart and discovering that what they thought they knew about each other may not be all it seemed. Showing us how much time can change how we really see each other, this is a feel good book that will start the new year well for all.

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella: Starting a new year can make you see all of the pressure that you may be under. Something the main character in this book feels. Sick of answering emails and being told what to do, the leading lady in this novel decides to take a break. One that sees her falling in love unexpectedly along the way. 

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple: When a 15-year-old’s mum goes missing, she fights to find out what has happened to her. Told through notes, emails and memories, this is an interesting take on how much a daughter loves her mum, which is presented in a very comical but emotional way. 

The Silver Lining Playbook by Matthew Quick: After coming out of hospital after a tragic breakdown, leading man Pat decides he will do anything to get his wife back. However, in the end he finds that sometimes letting go of the past can bring a whole new sense of joy into his life. As we start a new year, this idea can be key to having a good one. 

How To Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley: Many of us fear growing old, as society paints it as a dark path. Yet, this novel shows that age truly is just a number and that we can do anything we want at any age. Don’t fear the birthday or the number that comes with it at all, as this book will make you fall in love with it instead. 

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary: A hit TV series last year, the book that started it all deserves a read, as it follows two flatmates, who never see each other learning to co-habit in an odd way. Full of little notes, funny moments and heartfelt emotion, it is a perfect piece of sunshine in a dark January. 

Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce: A new year could see you wanting to meet new people and this book shows the power of friendship. Set during the Blitz in London, the novel shares two women coming together through the power of letters sent back and forth via an Agony Aunt column in the paper. 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry: After growing up with her sister, upon the tragic death of their parents, Nora decides to branch out on her own as a book editor. However, her dreams are soon tainted by the appearance of Charlie, a fellow book editor who she is not on good terms with. Forced to work together, they must put their differences behind them to help the author relying on them.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simison: Don is a man, who presents unconfirmed autism. After seeing many fall in love around him, he soon finds himself wondering what the idea of doing so would mean for him. The story highlights how everyone deserves to be who they are in a relationship and be loved for it. 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: Being a big fan of something is an element that we all need to love more about people. In this book, a young teen spends her time writing fanfiction. Yet, when she finds that she can have a new life because of it, she embraces her alter-ego fully, all whilst coming of age and falling for a fellow student at her college.

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: One of the most powerful books I have ever read, this novel shows us that we should never give up on our dreams. Even if they have to be explored in different ways or not how we expect them to be presented. At a time when it was hard for women to work in science, the young narrator in this book highlights how her mum managed to break out in the field. An inspiring read throughout. 

There are so many books coming out this year that I can’t wait to share with you lovelies! These classics, out now at Hertford Library and in many more, are some real heartfelt ones that I feel are perfect comforting reads to get us through the end of Christmas and the cold days of January! What will you be reading this month lovelies? Let me know!

Joey X