Recommendations based on "Be Your Best Self"

*THE TOP 10 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*'One of this summer's most buzzed about books (and one that might just change your life)' Sunday TimesAfter years of feeling that love was always out of reach, journalist Natasha Lunn set out to understand how relationships work and evolve over a lifetime. She turned to authors and experts to learn about their experiences, as well as drawing on her own, asking: How do we find love? How do we sustain it? And how do we survive when we lose it?In Conversations on Love she began to find the answers:Philippa Perry on falling in love slowlyDolly Alderton on vulnerabilityStephen Grosz on accepting changeCandice Carty-Williams on friendshipLisa Taddeo on the loneliness of lossDiana Evans on parenthoodEmily Nagoski on the science of sexAlain de Botton on the psychology of being aloneEsther Perel on unrealistic expectationsRoxane Gay on redefining romanceand many more...'A gorgeous, richly layered book about all forms of love. You can pick it up and turn to any page - literally any - and find a gem to soothe and fortify your soul' Pandora Sykes, Sunday Times bestselling author of 'How Do We Know We're Doing It Right?''Hopeful and uplifting... this deep dive into the human heart will expand and enrich your perspective on love' Evening Standard'This eclectic and heartwarming collection explores love in all its forms, from romantic and parental love to friendship and loss'Observer'Conversations on Love is a glorious celebration of human vulnerability and connection. It has made me laugh, shed tears, think deeply. I want every person I love to read this book' Dr Kathryn Mannix, Sunday Times bestselling author of WITH THE END IN MIND

Is living the life you’ve wished for really a dream come true?Lucy Young is twenty-six and tired. Tired of fetching coffees for senior TV producers, sick of going on disastrous dates, and done with living in a damp flat with roommates who never buy toilet paper. After another disappointing date, Lucy stumbles upon a wishing machine. Pushing a coin into the slot, Lucy closes her eyes and wishes with all her might: Please, let me skip to the good part of my life.When she wakes the next morning to a handsome man, a ring on her finger, a high-powered job, and two storybook-perfect children, Lucy can’t believe this is real—especially when she looks in the mirror, and staring back is her own fortysomething face. Has she really skipped ahead like she’s always wanted, or has she simply forgotten a huge chunk of her life? As Lucy begins to embrace new relationships and the perks of maturity, she’ll have to ask herself: Can she go back to her previous life, and if so, can she stand to leave the good part behind?

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2023A Most Anticipated Summer Read by Today ∙ Barnes & Noble ∙ BookRiot ∙ GoodReads ∙ Culturess ∙ and more!A starry-eyed romantic, a cynical writer, and (the ashes of) an elderly woman take the road trip of a lifetime that just might upend everything they believe about true love.Millicent Watts-Cohen is on a mission. When she promised her elderly best friend that she’d reunite her with the woman she fell in love with nearly eighty years ago, she never imagined that would mean traveling from D.C. to Key West with three tablespoons of Mrs. Nash’s remains in her backpack. But Millie’s determined to give her friend a symbolic happily-ever-after, before it’s (really) too late—and hopefully reassure herself of love’s lasting power in the process.She just didn’t expect to have a living travel companion.After a computer glitch grounds flights, Millie is forced to catch a ride with Hollis Hollenbeck, an also-stranded acquaintance from her ex’s MFA program. Hollis certainly does not believe in happily-ever-afters—symbolic or otherwise—and makes it quite clear that he can’t fathom Millie’s plan ending well for anyone.But as they contend with peculiar bed-and-breakfasts, unusual small-town festivals, and deer with a death wish, Millie begins to suspect that her reluctant travel partner might enjoy her company more than he lets on. Because for someone who supposedly doesn’t share her views on romance, Hollis sure is becoming invested in the success of their journey. And the closer they get to their destination, the more Millie has to admit that maybe this trip isn’t just about Mrs. Nash’s love story after all—maybe it’s also about her own.

*Carol's new captivating, escapist novel, ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE, is available to pre-order NOW!*The escapist Sunday Times bestselling debut from the nation’s best loved TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood.‘Loved it! It sizzles with secrets and passion. A real page turner!’ Jo ThomasOne woman returns to the island that changed her life foreverA-list actress Shauna Jackson has the perfect life. Fame, fortune, marriage. Or so it seems.Running from a scandal, Shauna flees to the place that changed her life twenty years ago, the idyllic Greek island of Ithos.Captivated once more by the azure seas and scented olive groves, bittersweet memories resurface of one summer, one unforgettable man, and a long-hidden secret.Shauna can escape Hollywood, but can she escape her past?‘An absolute cracking read – it’s brilliant!’ Steph McGovern presenter of Packed Lunch‘Sun-soaked, glamorous escapism.’ Cressida McLaughlin‘A sizzling summer read. I couldn’t put it down.’ Alex Brown, bestselling author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage‘An exquisite tale of love lost and found that’s full of intriguing characters and romantic locations. A Perfect summer read.’ Judy MurrayFive Star reviews from NetGalley:Excellent debut novel *****You had me hooked from the very first page, right through to the very last word! I was riveted. I’m in awe. *****100% recommend sitting and relaxing with your favourite cocktail and getting lost in this truly wonderful romance. I loved it. *****A great summer read! *****Full of wonderful descriptions of sun-drenched Greek islands, Hollywood and its screen icons; I didn't want to put it down. *****This book makes for a perfect summer read and one I definitely recommend reading. *****Absolutely adored this book. I'm pretty sure I didn't move the whole time I was reading it! *****Carol Kirkwood's book 'Secrets of the Villa Amore' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-07-24.

One summer can change everything . . .Perfect for readers who love Debbie Johnson, Cathy Bramley and Trisha Ashley.“Warm and funny and feel-good. The best sort of holiday read.” Katie Fforde"Filled with warm and likeable characters. Great fun!" Jill MansellDemi doesn’t expect her summer in Cornwall to hold anything out of the ordinary. As a waitress, working all hours to make ends meet, washing dishes and serving ice creams seems to be as exciting as the holiday season is about to get.That’s until she meets Cal Penwith. An outsider, like herself, Cal is persuaded to let Demi help him renovate his holiday resort, Kilhallon Park. Set above an idyllic Cornish cove, the once popular destination for tourists has now gone to rack and ruin. During the course of the Cornish summer, Demi makes new friends – and foes – as she helps the dashing and often infuriating Cal in his quest. Working side by side, the pair grow close, but Cal has complications in his past which make Demi wonder if he could ever truly be interested in her.Demi realises that she has finally found a place she can call home. But as the summer draws to a close, and Demi’s own reputation as an up and coming café owner starts to spread, she is faced with a tough decision . . .A gorgeous story exploring new beginnings, new love and new opportunities, set against the stunning background of the Cornish coast – starring a feisty, compelling heroine who leaps off the page and encourages you to live your summer to the full.If you loved Summer at the Cornish Cafe, don’t miss the next in the Penwith Trilogy, Christmas at the Cornish Cafe!Phillipa Ashley's book 'Four Weddings and a Christmas' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2023-11-13.

Discover the secrets and surprises that the scenic Scottish town of Briar Glen has to offer... ‘A warm beautiful read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐NetGalley Reviewer ‘A great story . . . a happy feel good read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐NetGalley Reviewer The feel-good Scottish romance from the bestselling author of A Secret Scottish Escape When wedding planner Sophie Harkness refuses to move a friend’s wedding to accommodate a spoilt bridezilla, she finds herself out of a job. That is until she discovers her late grandma has purchased a local shop for her in the pretty Scottish town of Briar Glen. Surprised and delighted, Sophie opens her own porcelain shop in honour of her grandmother. But when an unusual tea set is left with Sophie, along with a mysterious letter, she can’t help but be intrigued by the story behind the antique. And when the handsome but aloof art critic Xander North comes knocking on her door, Sophie is about to find out the true colourful past of her latest treasure. The perfect feel-good romance for fans of Jo Thomas, Katie Fforde and Trisha Ashley. NetGalley readers are falling for A Scottish Highland Surprise ‘[I] adored this feel good, fun, emotional and life affirming book’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great read... highly recommend’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great holiday read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Charming characters, mystery and romance’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘An easy and lovely read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Uplifting’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Well written with a cute and funny storyline and well developed characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Uplifting and enjoyable’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This author is amazing, she knows how to get you hooked straight away’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great story and a perfect ending’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Puffin Island - when the tides turn, true friends are never apart 'Full of warmth' #1 Sunday Times Bestseller Katie Fforde Verity Callaway is running away. From her job. From her quiet life in the Midlands. And most of all from her ex-fiancée...who has just become her newest neighbour. The plan is simple: hop in her reliable camper van and cross the Channel, headed for a rendezvous with her best friend in Amsterdam to kick off six months of travel. But when Verity stumbles across a decades-old postcard while preparing her cottage for its temporary tenants, her life takes an unexpected turn, and she finds herself on a ferry to Puffin Island instead. Verity's childhood was filled with tales of adventures set on the picturesque island, but she'd always thought her beloved granny had made it all up. Now, knowing the stories and the setting were real, Verity is determined to find the postcard's sender and uncover the secrets of her grandmother's past...even if it means setting off a sequence of events that will change not just her own life, but also that of the sleepy island's close-knit community... Readers have fallen in love with Puffin Island: 'The most wholesome, heartwarming, enchanting read ... would highly recommend' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Christie Barlow never fails to capture the characters and bring them to life' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Christie draws you in and you never want to leave!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Absolutely gorgeous! Love the setting, love the characters ... Highly recommended!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Christie Barlow you've done it again ... Brilliant!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Puffin Island has a community we all wish to be a part of. Can't wait for the next visit'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

USA TODAY BESTSELLER! "One adorably British odd couple . . . Charming." — People “An exquisitely poignant tale of life, friendship and facing death . . . heart-breaking yet ultimately uplifting . . Everyone should read this book.” — Ruth Hogan, author of Queenie Malone’s Paradise Hotel Infused with the emotional power of Me Before You and the irresistible charm of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and Be Frank with Me, a moving and joyous novel about an elderly woman ready to embrace death and the little girl who reminds her what it means to live. It's never too late to start living. Eudora Honeysett is done with this noisy, moronic world—all of it. She has witnessed the indignities and suffering of old age and has lived a full life. At eighty-five, she isn’t going to leave things to chance. Her end will be on her terms. With one call to a clinic in Switzerland, a plan is set in motion.  Then she meets ten-year-old Rose Trewidney, a whirling, pint-sized rainbow of sparkling cheer. All Eudora wants is to be left alone to set her affairs in order. Instead, she finds herself embarking on a series of adventures with the irrepressible Rose and their affable neighbor, the recently widowed Stanley—afternoon tea, shopping sprees, trips to the beach, birthday celebrations, pizza parties.  While the trio of unlikely BFFs grow closer and anxiously await the arrival of Rose’s new baby sister, Eudora is reminded of her own childhood—of losing her father during World War II and the devastating impact it had on her entire family. In reflecting on her past, Eudora realizes she must come to terms with what lies ahead.  But now that her joy for life has been rekindled, how can she possibly say goodbye? 

Laugh-out-loud, feel-good romcom for fans of Emily Henry and Josie Silver 'Fresh, witty and thoroughly enjoyable.' The Sun A NIGHT IN WITH AUDREY HEPBURNUnlucky in love, failed actress Libby Lomax has retreated into the world of classic movies, where the immortal lives of the screen goddesses offer so much more in the way of romance than her own life. After a terrible day on the set of a cult TV sci-fi series where she has proved herself to be the antithesis of feminine poise and embarrassed herself in front of heartthrob actor Dillon O’Hara, she plonks herself down in front of her trillionth viewing of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Relaxing on her battered old couch, Libby is gob smacked to find actual Screen Icon, Audrey Hepburn, sitting beside her. Dressed in her little black dress, wearing her trademark sunglasses, Audrey proffers advice to the hapless Libby between ladylike puffs on her vintage cigarette holder. And so, Audrey becomes Libby’s confidante and friend – but has Libby got what it takes to turn her life from a Turkey to a Blockbuster? With a little bit of Audrey Hepburn magic, she might just pull it off... A NIGHT IN WITH MARILYN MONROEThe last few months have been a whirlwind for Libby Lomax – not only is she dating the hottest man on the planet, but there now seems to be a decent career alternative on offer. She can hardly believe that life is finally turning around. But her optimism seems short-lived when she realises that Dillon O’Hara is about as far away from steady boyfriend material as is possible to get. Then, when another uninvited guest, in the form of Marilyn Monroe, turns up on her ancient sofa, Libby finds she would willingly bite her own arm off for a return to normality. Thank goodness her best friend Ollie is still there to keep her feet on the ground. Libby doubts that Marilyn is really the right person to offer her relationship advice, but perhaps she should listen up, before it’s too late...

Raised by her cold, bitter grandmother following the death of her parents, Christie Ryan worked hard to build a satisfying life for herself as an adult. Nobody is more surprised when Gran leaves her an abandoned cottage in a remote seaside town. But there is more to the cottage than she expects, with the discovery in the attic of unworn wedding rings and unopened love letters. Reading these casts Christie into the tragic, romantic world of a young couple from fifty years ago. Their love is a stark contrast to her own relationship. Questions about what really happened on the beach all that time ago lead her to Martin, a reclusive artist who prefers to keep secrets and has a dog who adores her on sight. As Christie faces difficult decisions about her own future, will the consequences of righting old wrongs be too high a price to pay? Fall in love with River's End and rediscover real romance in this spellbinding story of true love, redemption, courage, and starting over.