Holiday Reading

The sun is shining. The kids are on holiday. Christmas is almost here. Lazy, beach holidays are beckoning and that means time to savour some really good books. You know you’ve been waiting all year for this. You deserve it. So here are my top picks for a great holiday read.

1. Truly, Madly, Guilty by Liane Moriarty – Six responsible adults. Three cute kids. One playful dog. It’s an ordinary weekend barbecue in the suburbs. What could possibly go wrong? Liane is able to take situations we’re all familiar with and turn them on their heads. Her books are all seriously good. ‘Big, Little Lies’ is my favourite and is also one you should read before the TV series hits our screens next year. A great, holiday read and one I recommend all my girlfriend’s take when they step on to a plane. You’ll get to your destination in no time with this cracking read.

2. The Promise Seed by Cass Moriarty (no relation to Liane) – This beautifully written story tells of an unexpected friendship between an old man and a boy which offers a reprieve from their individual struggles. When a sinister figure enters the boy’s life, he must choose between friendship and blood ties. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you won’t be able to put down this poignant book. Cass is also a local Brisbane author which makes this book even more special.

3. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer – This is my all time favourite book. I adore this quirky little book which tells the moving tale of post war friendship, love and books. Letters are interspersed throughout the story and the characters will win your hearts. If you enjoy this also try Annie Barrows ‘The Truth According to Us’.

4. The House Between Tides by Sarah Maine – This book tells the story of a crumbling estate in the wilds of Scotland, it’s century-old secret and an enduring mystery. Moving between present day Hetty’s story and the story of Beatrice, a young bride who was brought to the Outer Hebrides in 1910, this age old mystery story will have you guessing until the end. The writing and wild setting will have you mesmerised. It was hard to believe this was a debut novel by this English author.

5. The Chocolate Promise by Josephine Moon – Christmas Livingstone has ten rules for happiness, the most important of which is ‘absolutely no romantic relationships’. Then a dishevelled botanist walks into her life needing her help. Set across Tasmania, Paris and Provence this uplifting novel is about Christmas finding out how far her list of rules will take her. Did I mention it’s about chocolate, say no more! This book is also by a local author who has also written ‘The Tea Chest’ and ‘The Beekeeper’s Secret’ , which is even set on the Sunshine Coast.

Phew , that was really hard choosing just five. So wherever you head these holidays, even if you’re just staying at home, take some time out to curl up and read a good book. It’s good for your soul. It’s good for your kids to see that you read and it will help you to escape from the noise and bustle of the Christmas season. Happy reading!

Michelle Beesley

Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams. 

Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com. 

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