Read This Now: Reads to Dive Into Over the Holidays with Emily Darlow

The holidays offer a rare stretch of time where slowing down feels not only allowed but encouraged. Whether you are tucked under a fan with a cold drink, resting after a busy lunch, or enjoying a quiet morning before the day unfolds, it is the perfect moment to slip into a good book. This week’s selections offer escapism, reflection, and a touch of drama, exactly what December reading should deliver.

Heir Apparent – Rebecca Armitage

Heir Apparent is an engaging blend of modern royalty, emotional complexity and personal reinvention. At its heart is Lexi Villiers, a princess who has deliberately walked away from pageantry and protocol to build a meaningful life in rural Tasmania as a doctor. When tragedy places her suddenly in line for the throne, her carefully constructed world unravels, pulling her back into the institution she fought so hard to escape. Armitage handles these tensions with depth and humanity, creating a protagonist who feels relatable despite her extraordinary circumstances.
The novel is both compulsively readable and surprisingly moving. It offers an intimate look at grief, duty and identity while still delivering the glamour and intrigue readers expect from a royal storyline. The emotional push and pull gives the book real heart, and the Tasmanian setting adds a refreshing Australian contrast to the traditional palace narrative. A great choice if you love character driven drama with a modern twist.

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Unapologetically Ita – Ita Buttrose

Ita Buttrose’s memoir is a beautifully candid reflection on a remarkable life lived both in the public eye and behind the scenes. She writes with clarity, confidence and the unmistakable poise that has shaped her long career. From groundbreaking achievements in Australian media to personal milestones and reinventions, Ita offers insights into determination, leadership and resilience with a refreshing lack of ego. Her voice is strong, warm and instantly engaging, making the book an easy one to settle into.
What makes the memoir particularly enjoyable over the holidays is its balance, honest without being heavy, reflective without dwelling, and full of the kinds of stories that make you nod along in recognition. Ita’s observations on ageing, ambition and navigating public perception feel especially resonant for readers who have lived through decades of shifting social norms. It is the kind of book that leaves you feeling inspired rather than overwhelmed, a grounding, human read for the quiet pockets of December.

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The Ashes – Mark Browning

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Boleyn Traitor in the tradition of Philippa Gregory

If you love historical fiction especially the rich, scandallaced world of the Tudors this novel is a delight. Written in the spirited style of Philippa Gregory, the doyenne of royal historical fiction, Boleyn Traitor is fast paced, dramatic and full of the intrigue that makes this period endlessly fascinating. It returns to Henry VIII’s court, exploring shifting loyalties, dangerous ambitions and the precarious position of the women orbiting the king. It is the kind of story where one whispered rumour or misstep can change everything.
The book does not shy away from embellishment, but that is part of its charm. It leans into the idea that history can be both informative and wildly entertaining, offering a version of events that prioritises tension and narrative over strict accuracy. This makes it wonderfully escapist, perfect for readers who want a gripping, easy to read novel that pulls them deep into the political and emotional storms of Tudor England. A fun, indulgent choice for a holiday bingeread.

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Stone Yard Devotional Charlotte Wood

Charlotte Wood’s Stone Yard Devotional stands apart from the other selections with its quiet power and contemplative tone. The novel follows a woman retreating to a convent in rural New South Wales as she seeks space from both personal grief and the overwhelming realities of environmental collapse. Woods writing is spare yet deeply poetic, inviting readers into a reflective, internal world where emotion is carried in small gestures and quiet moments rather than grand declarations.
This is a book that lingers long after you set it down. Its meditative pacing encourages you to slow down, breathe and consider the weight of memory, responsibility and forgiveness. It is not a plot driven novel, but instead one that rewards readers who appreciate nuance and introspection. Perfect for those peaceful holiday mornings or evenings when the world feels a bit stiller and you are ready for something thoughtful and beautifully written.

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Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run – Paul McCartney

If you’ve ever wondered what Paul McCartney did after The Beatles, Wings is a fascinating look at his second act. Told as an oral history, the book pieces together the story of Wings through the voices of McCartney, his late wife Linda, bandmates and those who were there at the time.

It covers everything from playing unannounced gigs at universities and touring with his young family, to the chaos of recording in Nigeria and the eventual rise to massive stadium shows. What comes through most clearly is McCartney’s determination to start again, prove himself and find joy in music outside the shadow of The Beatles.

This is a great read for music lovers, Beatles fans and anyone interested in creative reinvention, warm, revealing and surprisingly human.

Buy it HERE

As the year winds down and the days blur a little between public holidays, leftovers and family catch ups, having a good book nearby can feel like its own small act of care. Whether you are disappearing into palace intrigue, walking alongside a media icon, wandering through a contemplative Australian landscape or simply enjoying a well told story, these reads offer a gentle reminder to pause and make a little space for yourself. However you spend the holidays, I hope one of these finds its way onto your bedside table, beach bag or carry on and keeps you company as you step into the new year.