Small Pleasures, by Clare Chambers

Living in London and working for a newspaper in the 50’s, Jean could have been the typically written assertive go-getter woman journalist. But instead the reader meets a gentle soul in Jean. Jean cares for her mother and has to fit in with her way of living, leaving her little freedom. Both the reader and Jean can quite easily see her life stretching into that dull horizon of servitude.

However, Jean grasps at the most intriguing story to investigate: a real-life immaculate conception. Through Jean we learn Gretchen’s story and meet her family. Gretchen seems to have it all: the nice home, a devoted and loving husband, and a wonderful - possibly Godsent - daughter. But things don’t seem to quite add up. 

This story captures the reader from the beginning, with a clip of a newspaper article, which, by the middle of this intriguing tale, I had all but forgotten. As I read, I grew more intrigued by Gretchen’s behaviour than the origins of her conception, although that thread of the story is interesting, and comes into play further down the line.

It’s Chambers's characters and their interactions that really clinch it for me. You become Jean's unseen best friend, and you root for her, and you feel divided over which outcome you want to see: her finding the truth or publishing a mind-blowing article.

- Anara

Paperback, £8.99. Find this in our Fiction section!

[This story does bring up some issues that people with particular triggers may wish to avoid however these instances I felt were dealt with very gently and not in great detail.]

The Shadows of London series, by Maureen Johnson

“The Name of the Star” starts with Rory’s move from the United States to a boarding school in London, just as a Jack the Ripper copy-cat starts committing murders around the city. It draws a media frenzy to her neighbourhood, and under the most unlikely circumstances, Rory finds herself in the middle of the chaos. The weirdest people start popping up, and danger seems to be as common as cottage pie in the school canteen.

I don’t normally read a lot of fantasy, so this good old fashioned ghost story is the most wonderful palette cleanser when I just want that perfect mix of the familiarity of studying for A Levels in dreary British weather, crossed with the unsettled world of the supernatural, and heart-stopping conflict. And Rory makes the most wonderful protagonist: curious, funny, intelligent, independent, reckless, and just a little bit odd. There is light and dark in every person you meet in this series, and it keeps things unpredictable and gripping the whole way through.

I’ve only described the first book in this series to you: “The Madness Underneath” and “The Shadow Cabinet” are just as thrilling, and prove that Maureen Johnson’s ability to add nuance, depth, and tension in a fantasy story world is, well, fantastic. Rory finds herself in dangerous company, dragged into things far beyond her expectation or comprehension, and we – ourselves – start to wonder where life ends and death begins. The end of the third book leaves us in such a state of high stakes, mystery, and genuine fear, the fact that we are still waiting for the fourth instalment is killing me.

If you’re looking for a quick but compelling series to power through, here is your sign to pick this up. You won’t be disappointed.

- Sian

Paperback, £7.99. You can find this in the Young Adult section!

The Song that Sings Us, by Nicola Davies

Imagine a world where people have lived in harmony with nature for so long that some humans are now able to listen to the thoughts of other animals, and some animals are able to communicate with humans. This is the world created by Nicola Davies, but it is a world threatened by the rise of the Automators, a group who view nature as the enemy and who want to exploit the planet’s resources and persecute Listeners.

This is a book written for children and teenagers, and is a hugely enjoyable adventure with a dark message of impending ecocide. The opening chapter is a breath-taking ride in itself, and there are moments throughout where I had to stop and take stock, with some challenging scenes and moments of peril which I wasn’t entirely expecting!

While this is clearly a children’s book, I was completely drawn into the world created and fully invested in the core characters – siblings Harlon and Ash are fantastic protagonists, and Skrimsli, the Ice Ship captain who just happens to be a tiger, is one of the best characters I’ve come across since Iorek Byrnison in Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights.

Featuring a cover, map, and chapter head illustrations by Jackie Morris, this is a thrilling eco-epic – I’ll definitely be recommending it as a gift for older children with a love of adventure stories, or an interest in environmental issues.

- Paul

Hardback, £14.99. Find this in the Children's section!

Agnes Grey, by Anne Brontë

A book club special!

This was the first book we read as a group, and as such, it was a very sombre start. We follow Agnes Grey as she tries to make her way into a career as a governess. Her family isn't keen on her plan, but she remains firm in her resolution to play her part in pulling her family through their sudden and unexpected poverty. She goes on to work for unpleasant families and downright hellish children. If you're expecting a charming, cosy family unit like Little Women (like I was) you will be sorely disappointed.

Agnes is a mild character. She likes to look for the best in others and in the worst circumstances; she trusts her faith in God to give her purpose and guidance. Even in moments of weakness, she is headstrong, kind, and has the best intentions. But... she's just a little meek for my taste. As much as I admire her determination, sometimes it feels like she could have put that energy towards something a little more fruitful. It is oh-so-noble to put aside your own happiness in order to care for others' needs, but at times it didn't feel as though anyone was benefiting from her efforts. At times, she was more stubborn than noble, and it was a little bit frustrating as a woman in the 21st Century. 

She came to life a little when she was falling in love. I mean, yes Mr Weston is a priest, and so is her father, but let's overlook the psychological discomfort there. He's a good man: generous, patient, and reliable. Unfortunately, Agnes decides to omit certain interactions they have, "for fear of boring the reader". She says that she finds such a thrill in the most mundane of interactions with Mr Weston, that we couldn't possibly be interested in hearing about them. Alas, Agnes, you were wrong: at times, I was simply gasping for something -- anything to happen! She finally had some spirit and some unencumbered positivity, and it was a joy to experience.

It is a bit of a dreary read in my opinion, but it has a soothing and comforting ending after all. I shan't spoil it too much, but here is my one note: don't worry about the dog, he'll be ok!

I don't think this was the best Brontë sister to start with, but I haven't been totally put off yet!

- Sian

Paperback, £7.99 - multiple editions available. Find this in the Classics section!

The Story of a Nobody, by Anton Chekhov

This novella is part of the 101 Page Classics series. It follows a young man, a "nobody" who has infiltrated the household of a government official's son on behalf of a secret terrorist group. His purpose is to spy on the father and, ultimately, assassinate him. But our "nobody" narrator gradually becomes disillusioned with his purpose and chooses a new path, which leads him to a tragedy.

This was my first Chekhov, but not my first piece of classic Russian literature, and I think it is the perfect introduction to the genre! It's a great way to discover some new authors or discover a forgotten classic. Who doesn't a love character-driven psychological story? And Chekhov's writing is stunning!

At only 101 pages, it's definitely worth trying something new. And despite its short length, by the end you fully know the characters and will have formed your opinions of them. 

- Jenny, @budgetbooklover 

Paperback, £5.99. Find this in the Classics section!

The Pawn of Prophecy, by David Eddings

This another Bookseller's Favourite review! This one's Anara's.

I think I must have first read this book when I was about fifteen. Then I devoured the rest of the series, then the next * and all the off shoots I could find **. This story begins, as other fantasy books have, in a homely peaceful setting. We meet our protagonist, Garion, on Faldor’s Farm where "Aunt Pol" rules with a quiet but commandingly domestic manner. Eddings is quick to get young Garion on the road with the "Old wolf", a vagrant friend of his "Aunt's". Before long, in true fantasy style, Garion is surrounded by a ragtag band of lovable, humorous fellows, off on adventure. The world is well fleshed out, showing each country's deep history, religions, style, and cultural quirks.

This series follows a whole load of the usual fantasy tropes; the chosen one, the old tutor, a search for a McGuffin, etc but it doesn't take away from the fun of the story and spending time with these characters. A lot of the time it's very clear who the real bad guys are, but there are characters who side with neither or have their own agenda, adding to the substance of the narrative. It is an adventure on the first read and a comforting reread. Sometimes I will pick up a volume and start reading it from one of my favourite moments just to be around old friends. This is what really makes these books special. The characters each have their own quirks and back story that makes them feel so real. But it is the relationships and banter between characters that makes this book feel like home to me, and I think is what really drew me in.

I notice elements similar to those of Tolkien and Pratchett in Eddings's writing and he is as deserving of a place on any fantasy lover's bookshelf as they are. This is the first of 5 books in the first series, with another 5-book series set after, and 3 related books, so if you like to swim deep in your fantasy worlds this is one you shouldn’t miss.

*The Malloreon

**Belgarath The Sorcerer, Polgara The Sorceress and The Riven Codex

- Anara 

Paperback, £7.99. Find this in the Sci-fi &Fantasy section!

I'll Give you the Sun, by Jandy Nelson

The first of our Booksellers' Favourite Books! This one is Sian's.

Jude and Noah are twins. Two of the same. Split-aparts. They're soulmates, have their own language, and share everything as one entity... except for two things:

Their art and their mother.

Teenagers are jealous creatures, always craving love, acceptance, validation, all that good stuff. So when their pillar of grace, talent, and brilliance - their mother - passes away suddenly, the twins are left at sea, trying to find their way with their clueless, bacteria-loving father.

We get to hear this story from the points of view of both twins at different times: Noah at age 14, Jude at age 16. As the book goes on, we start to piece together their story. Who told which lies, who sabotaged whom, who's falling in love and when.

And that's really what this book is. A love story. A love story between two young people and their families, their crushes, their art, and themselves. And they see the world ever so beautifully. Noah paints portraits in his mind, of moments he wants to save. Jude has inherited her Grandmother's "bible", full of doolally nonsense that she's made up, by which Jude lives her life. They seem to speak in poems, in verses, in prophecies, in lyrics, in the feeling of floating. I have never read a book that I so badly wanted to highlight, dogear, and annotate... I still haven't the nerve, but I'm tempted to buy a second copy just to alleviate the guilt of doing so!

This book makes me want to fall in love over and over again. To throw away limitations and rational thinking. To grab life by the paintbrush and just create. To write new rules, reinvent reality. 

I've never wanted any characters to be real more than these two. And deep down, ever so quietly, I pretend that they are. Because for all their flaws, diabolical behaviour, and horrendous decision-making, I want to find them one day and drink up all of their light.

This is such a fun read. A reminder of why youth is fun, even with all of pain that comes along with it. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll groan, you'll grieve, you'll gasp.

- Sian

CW: bereavement, assault

Paperback, £7.99. Find this in the Young Adult Fiction section!