We've teamed up with the Sunday Times bestselling author Veronica Henry to bring you a seasonal book club. You'll find inspiration on different themes with books to delight and inspire throughout the months ahead, perfect for popping your feet up, relaxing and diving into a book.
My theme for spring is having the courage to make life changes – and food! It’s never too late to challenge yourself, and I hope one of these books will inspire you.
The Language Of Food – Annabel Abbs
I fell head over heels with this novel on the first page. Some writers have the knack of pulling you into the world they are creating with confidence and reassurance. Based on the few true facts she was able to glean about her heroine, this is the story of poet Eliza Acton who is challenged by a publisher to write ‘a cookery book as neat and elegant as your poems’. The result became a huge bestseller. Annabel must have done mountains of research, but she wears it so lightly that you almost believe she was there at the time and is reporting first hand. The food descriptions are glorious.
Half Baked Harvest Every Day - Tiegan Gerard
Anyone who follows Tieghan Gerard on Instagram will be familiar with the exuberant food she serves to her sprawling family in the mountains of Colorado. She started the Half Baked Harvest blog in 2012 and is now a sensation. She creates heart-warming, crowd-pleasing dishes which are perfect for friends and family – what she calls ‘wholesomely decadent’. There are many influences, often with a twist – she’s not afraid to mix up cultures and classics. I haven’t been disappointed with a single recipe I’ve tried. The book promises spicy tuna roll stacks, lemon harissa chicken, strawberry basil margaritas . . . mouth-watering!
Manifest - Roxie Nafousi
Nafousi is the influencer of the moment, and I was intrigued by the buzz around her. I was a little sceptical about the notion of being able to ‘manifest’ your own future, but this little book is actually filled with a lot of common sense. The main drivers are focussing on what you want, practising self-love and being grateful for what you already have – and there is nothing wrong with any of that! I came away from it feeling inspired and energised and determined to make a few changes – and to say yes more! This would be a lovely present for a friend who is in need of a nudge, and it would look very good on your bedside table.
The Impulse Purchase - Veronica Henry
Forgive me for including my own latest novel here, but I loved writing it and I think you might enjoy it. I wanted to write a book about three generations of women living their dream together, and also reflect a go-getting, entrepreneurial woman who is on the brink of traditional retirement age: my message being life does not stop being exciting, ever, if you don’t want it to. When Cherry buys the pub in the village she grew up in on impulse, her daughter Maggie and granddaughter Rose soon join her to transform it into the beating heart of Rushbrook, nestled on a winding river in Somerset. Each woman is at a crossroads in her life, and they all find a way forward - and have a lot of fun along the way!
Have you picked up any of these amazing books? We'd love to hear your thoughts about Veronica's choices. Join us with these spring reads and pop your comments and thoughts below.