Love London Love Culture’s Picks of the Year: Books

Here’s a guide to Love London Love Culture’s top ten favourite reads for 2017… 

10. When the Future Comes Too Soon by Selina Siak: this richly engaging story set during World War II brings to vivid life the suffering that the people of Malaya. A haunting an emotional read that thoroughly grips from beginning to end. Check out Love London Love Culture’s review here or our interview with the author here.

9. The Private Lives of the Tudors by Tracy Borman: the ideal read for those who love finding out more about the lives of the Tudors. Borman’s book vividly takes readers behind closed doors into the more intimate side of the lives of the Tudors and is deeply fascinating and engaging throughout. Read the full review here.

8. Before the Rains by Dinah Jefferies: sweeping readers to India, this gorgeously romantic novel has many beautiful moments that really engage the reader’s interest throughout – it is well worth a read if you love your historical fiction. Read the full review here.

7. See You in the Spotlight by Diana S. Quigley: for those who are looking for a lightly entertaining book to cosy up with, this charming love story is wonderfully easy to follow and read. It features some great characters (all with lovely illustrations at the back of the book) and a lovely story. Read the full review here.

6. A Question of Trust by Penny Vincenzi: it has to be said that although the story takes a while to get going, this novel about the lives of ordinary people becomes increasingly engaging with a hint of glamour that keeps the reader engaged throughout. Read the full review here.

5. Bridget Jones’s Baby by Helen Fielding: written after the release of the film, Helen Fielding’s short but sweet story brings back the beloved singleton with plenty of warmth and trademark humour that like her other novels make for endearing reading. Read the full review here.

4. The Girl from the Savoy by Hazel Gaynor: this book is filled with the glamour of the 1920’s and show business as one star rises from obscurity while another begins to fade. It is a strong book because of the vividness of the writing and the instantly likability of all the characters that immerses the reader into their world so effectively. The full review can be found here.

3. Three Sisters Three Queens by Philippa Gregory: this is certainly one of the stronger Tudor court novels that Gregory has written, expertly weaving the lives of three very different Queens into one powerful and fascinating novel. It has plenty of drama and politics thrown in that give the story extra depth. Read the full review here.

2. Closed Casket by Sophie Hannah: for those who love Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries you might want to try reading Sophie Hannah’s new Hercule Poirot novels (written with support of the Agatha Christie estate). Closed Casket is her latest book and while perhaps more complicated than the Monogram Murders with its numerous characters, it is certainly a gripping read that keeps you guessing until the very end. Read the full review here.

1. Belgravia by Julian Fellowes: those who are missing Downton Abbey can take some comfort in this story filled with secrets, blackmail, betrayal and love with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The characters have been well written and the story flows with ease that it is a very enjoyable read. The full review can be found here.