Enlightenment by Sarah Perry

Jonathan Cape, £20

Thomas Hart has watched over Grace Macauley since she was a tiny baby; both are worshippers at the Bethesda Baptist Chapel in the Essex town of Aldleigh and despite their difference in age, they’re firmly on the same wavelength. But then everything changes. Thomas meets James Bower, with whom he investigates the life of Maria Veduva, a mysterious 19th century astronomer who lived in the town; Grace meanwhile, falls for Nathan, a fellow teenager. And like Thomas, Grace gets a taste of the world outside the confines of Bethesda. A novel of faith and friendship, science, comets and love, peopled with a cast of captivating characters, it’s a truly powerful read by the bestselling author of The Essex Serpent, and will stay with you long after you are done. 

The Happy Hour by Cressida McLaughlin

HarperFiction, £9.99

Apart from the hare statues, which she really can’t take to, Jess enjoys working at No Vase Like Home in Greenwich Market and being part of the market’s community. But then life takes a turn when she meets Ash, whilst they’re both chasing a pickpocket. Soon, they start to meet every Sunday, spending Jess’ lunch hour together. Ash is handsome, charming and funny, and Jess loves their 60-minute meet ups around Greenwich, but what’s the full story about Ash? I promise, you’ll want to find out!

How Not to Propose to a Duke by Louise Allen

Mills & Boon, £8.99

London, 1816. Miss Jessica Danby, daughter of a wealthy ironmaster, arrives in the capital, in need of a titled husband. Learning that Alexander, the Duke of Malvern needs a rich wife, she makes a bold offer. The Duke, however, wants to marry for love, but offers to help her find a suitable suitor. But what will happen when Alex and our Miss spend the social season together? Be transported back to the days of ‘the ton’ with this escapist summer read.

The Royal Station Master’s Daughters in Love by Ellee Seymour

Zaffre, £10.99

It’s 1919 but peace hasn’t returned life back to normal for the residents of Wolferton on the Sandringham Estate. Many of the men from the Sandringham Company are still missing in Gallipoli. Centred around the family of the royal station master, Harry Saward, the story tells not just of the continuing effects of the war on the Saward girls, but also others like Kitty Willow and her six children who end up in the workhouse. A tale of love, loss and second chances, this is the third novel in the series. It definitely works as a stand-alone read, though like me, you’ll probably be itching to read the previous two. 

Bird Spotting in a Small Town by Sophie Morton-Thomas

Verve Books, £9.99

Fran is worried – about her son’s behaviour, her strained relationship with her husband and with her sister. She cleans the vans at her caravan park on the North Norfolk coast and finds comfort watching the birds. Tad, from a Roma community who have settled in a field nearby, watches on. When the new teacher goes missing on the same night as Fran’s brother-in-law, things really begin to unravel. Part family drama, part psychological suspense and mystery, this novel really packs a punch. 

The Haven by Fiona Neill

Penguin, £9.99

When the mysterious Mo invites the Sawyer family to join a summer retreat in an ancient forest called The Haven, they jump at the chance, especially lonely teenager Cass. But fast forward a few months and they haven’t returned home, leading Cass’ aunt to report them missing. What is truly going on at The Haven and where are the Sawyers? This compelling psychological drama kept me reading late into the night!

Swanton Morley by David Blake

Black Oak Books, £9.99

DCI John Tanner is back from his honeymoon and straight into the thick of it. A man is being interviewed for a murder he says he didn’t commit. When a body is found in an open church grave in Swanton Morley, Tanner thinks he has his man, but is it really an open-and-shut case? This is the 11th DCI Tanner book, and they’re all based in Norfolk. Swanton Morley is a fast-paced thriller which works well as a stand-alone novel, but it’s always nice to find a new series to get stuck into, isn’t it. Stockists include www.bitternbooks.co.uk

Attack and Defence: A History of RAF Langham and its Dome Trainer by Mick Barham & Mark Glaister, £9.95

This summer marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of Langham Dome Museum and 80 years since its home, RAF Langham, re-opened after being upgraded to an independent unit (it closed in 1961). Written by the museum’s archivists and with a foreward by The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC, Attack and Defence covers the history and vital work of RAF Langham and its dome (now one of only six still standing in this country), and the stories of some of those stationed there. Richly illustrated with archive photography, this book is fascinating and moving in equal measure. Available from Langham Dome and select local bookshops.

Smiling at the Storm: East Anglian Folk Art by Peter Tolhurst

Propolis Books, £28

Whatever your definition of Folk Art, and as the author tells us, there are several, Smiling at the Storm celebrates the many different strands of this rich tradition; pierhead painters at Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft; fishermen’s wives knitting uniquely patterned gansey jumpers; ship graffiti in Glaven Valley churches; the beautifully painted fairground horses – the ‘gallopers’ – created at Savage’s in King’s Lynn; pub and village signs; the art of fisherman John Craske, and much more. Beautifully illustrated, Smiling at the Storm also celebrates the history and the craftsmen behind these works, and often the times they capture, too. 

Lifeblood: The Story of the Burn Valley by Jim Ring

Burnham Overy Harbour Trust, £20

From South Creake to North Creake, then on to the Burnhams, the River Burn flows, meeting the sea near Scolt Head. Delivered in a lively and accessible way, this comprehensive history of the river, its people and places, comprises seven chapters numbered in reverse order. From the arrival of the Romans and subsequent invasions, the building of churches, to the days of busy ports with large trading ships, the coming of the railways and life in the area today, it’s filled with fascinating facts and details you’ll want to know, illustrated with archive and modern photographs. Sales of Lifeblood will help to raise funds for the Burnham Overy Harbour Trust’s project to restore the groynes in Overy creek. It’s available to purchase exclusively through Burnham Overy Boathouse this summer.

The Adventures of Pellington and Welephant – Paris by Train by Sarah Henderson

Austin Macauley Publishers, £8.99

Adorable duo Pellington and Welephant decide to go on a daytrip to Paris. They catch the train at St Pancras and are soon climbing the Eiffel Tower and enjoying a boat trip along The Seine. A perfect summer holiday read, this picture book is the first in a series of travel books for children, inspired by the many trips Sarah has taken with her son and his enthusiasm to learn more about their destinations. Where will Pellington and Welephant go next? You can currently find them at stockists, including Thornham Deli, Nippers of Norfolk and Papermoon Books.

The Five Adventures of Romilly Esmeralda by Edward Glover

Blue Falcon Publishing, £6.99

We’ve all got things we’re apprehensive about, whether it’s creepy crawlies, thunder or the dark. Romilly Esmeralda, aged 9, doesn’t like her feet leaving the ground. She won’t go on the swings or try the tightropes in the local play park with her siblings. Then one day, she meets a unicorn on the way home from school and something very special begins, transporting Romilly to worlds of adventure. Written for seven- to nine-year-olds, this engaging read is Edward Glover’s third children’s book, and it aims to help children overcome their fears. Available from www.bluefalconpublishing.co.uk

You can read our interview with the author here