Bookstores are able to operate in South Africa again, which means we can finally grab hard copies of our favourite new books. Due to SA’s lockdown, there were slight book release delays. But now, hard copies of new books are flooding to bookstores in quick succession. We’ve had some time to sift through these releases, and decided to highlight a few of our favourite new finds.
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w&h Books Editor Shares Her Favourite New Book Releases
The Authenticity Project (Bantam Press) by Clare Pooley
From the author of The Sober Diaries comes Clare Pooley’s first novel, which introduces us to a group of intriguing characters – none of them are quite what they seem. Flamboyant artist Julian Jessop is stricken with guilt over his past.
Wanting to share his story, he writes it in a green notebook and leaves it for someone to find, but he could never imagine the impact it will have on the people it reaches. In a heartfelt and ultimately joyous read, we learn what it means to open up about who we really are.
Call your nearest Exclusive Books to place an order for home delivery.
Stay up with Hugo Best (Tinder Press) by Erin Somers
Aspiring 29-year-old comedy writer, June, is invited to spend the Memorial Day weekend at the mansion of her womanising ex-boss, Hugo Best, in Connecticut. Against her better judgement, she accepts that her time writing for his late-night show is now over – and a learning curve begins for them both.
A contemporary and thought-provoking story.
Call your nearest Exclusive Books to place an order for home delivery.
Dear Life (Little, Brown) by Rachel Clarke
Doctors try to cure people’s illnesses, but when they can’t, many of them struggle to help patients cope with the approach of death. That’s why kind, compassionate, palliative care is so vital.
Doctor Clarke’s deeply moving musings will make you re-evaluate your own life and priorities.
Call your nearest Exclusive Books to place an order for home delivery.
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The Inn at Helsvlakte (Penguin Books) by Patricia Schonstein
Dust covers every surface at an inn in the desolate Karoo landscape, where Kitty Cloete fulfils her duties as innkeeper’s wife. While civil warfare runs amok in this gothic setting, an injured captain arrives at the inn to recover. Kitty finds him utterly beguiling and, as a talented harpist, she lulls him back to life. But the captain isn’t safe, which means Kitty isn’t either. A mesmerising read that beautifully weaves romance with rivalry.
Call your nearest Exclusive Books to place an order for home delivery.
Saving Missy (HarperCollins) by Beth Morrey
In what’s been described as a ‘coming of old’ story, we meet prickly Millicent (Missy). Grieving for her husband, with a son living in Australia and a daughter she hasn’t spoken to for a year, Missy feels lonely. That is, until she meets two very different women – along with Bobby the adoring dog – who help her realise it doesn’t have to be that way.
Featuring a cast of flawed but lovable characters, this is a tale of friendship and having a second chance at life. It’s one to savour.
Call your nearest Exclusive Books to place an order for home delivery.
The Foundling (Manilla Press) by Stacey Halls
Stacey Halls returns with a historical tale set in Georgian London. Bess Bright is devastated to discover that the illegitimate daughter she left in the care of London’s Foundling Hospital has now been claimed. Meanwhile, widow Alexandra lives in comparative luxury, building up barriers to protect herself and her daughter from the past.
With a strong emotional core, you’ll be carried along by the period details.
Call your nearest Exclusive Books to place an order for home delivery.
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The Lady of the Ravens (HarperCollins) by Joanna Hickson
The perfect read for fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, this captivating narrative brings to life the court of the first Tudor king, Henry VII, and his new queen, Elizabeth of York. Joan Vaux, a servant of the court and a confidante of Elizabeth, becomes privy to the dangers that threaten this new dynasty.
A well-researched saga where the characters work seamlessly together.
Call your nearest Exclusive Books to place an order for home delivery.
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By Features Writer Marike Watson
