Read This Next with Emily Darlow

When the weather cools down and the evenings grow longer, there is something deeply comforting about curling up with a good book and disappearing into somebody else’s world for a few hours. Whether you are after romance, mystery, family secrets or pure escapism, this month’s picks are all about getting cosy and letting a story carry you far away from grey skies and chilly mornings.

Later, Only Love Remains by Leah Swann
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Leah Swann’s latest novel explores grief, family and the complicated ways people rebuild themselves after loss. At its heart is a deeply emotional story about relationships and the quiet moments that shape a life, written with warmth and sensitivity. Swann has a talent for creating characters who feel believable from the very first page, flaws and all. What makes this novel particularly compelling is its emotional honesty. Rather than rushing towards neat resolutions, the story allows its characters to sit in uncertainty and navigate the messy reality of love and heartbreak. Readers who enjoy thoughtful contemporary fiction with emotional depth will likely find themselves completely absorbed.

Verdict: A moving and beautifully written novel that lingers long after the final page.

Silvia by Maya Caruso
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Silvia Junior is 42, divorced and successful in her career, but her traditional Italian mother is convinced she is missing life’s most important milestones. When an old friend reappears and both women find themselves stepping outside their comfort zones, long-held expectations, family tensions and questions about love come bubbling to the surface. Funny, heartfelt and sharply observed, Silvia explores family, identity and the pressure of living up to other people’s expectations. Maya Caruso brings warmth and humour to a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to balance family obligations with their own hopes and dreams.

Verdict: A witty and relatable debut about second chances, family ties and finding yourself in midlife.

The Last Resort by Amanda Hewitt
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If you’re in the mood for a feel-good romance this winter, The Last Resort is an easy and enjoyable escape. Recently divorced Abbey Parker heads to the Maldives for her first solo holiday, hoping for a fresh start. What she doesn’t expect is a connection with the charming Nick Northby. Back home in Sydney, things take an unexpected turn when Abbey discovers that Nick is her new boss.  Amanda Hewitt blends romance, humour and family dynamics to create a story that is both uplifting and relatable. The tropical setting provides plenty of holiday-daydreaming, while Abbey’s journey towards confidence and a second chance at love gives the novel its heart.

Verdict: A warm and witty romance that proves fresh starts can happen when you least expect them.

The Bookshop of Buried Pasts by Sarah Clutton
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Bookshops and winter go hand in hand, and Sarah Clutton’s latest novel leans fully into that cosy appeal. Combining family secrets, history and a love of literature, the story follows characters uncovering hidden truths connected to a mysterious bookshop and the stories buried within it. There is a gentle, comforting quality to this novel despite the emotional themes running through it. Readers who love stories about found family, second chances and the magic of books themselves will likely fall hard for this one. It feels tailor-made for rainy afternoons with a cup of tea nearby.

Verdict: A heartfelt and atmospheric read for anyone who believes bookshops hold a little magic.

King of Gluttony by Ana Huang
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If your ideal winter escape involves glamorous romance and high emotional stakes, Ana Huang’s latest delivers plenty of both. Packed with chemistry, tension and larger-than-life personalities, King of Gluttony is exactly the sort of addictive romance readers end up devouring in a single weekend. Huang has built a loyal following thanks to her ability to combine emotionally vulnerable characters with fast-paced storytelling, and this book continues that trend. There is drama, passion and enough sizzling banter to make it impossible not to get swept up in the chaos of it all.

Verdict: A dramatic and escapist romance that is impossible to read slowly.

The Name Game by Beth O’Leary
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Beth O’Leary has become known for writing charming romantic comedies with genuine emotional substance, and The Name Game is no exception. Funny, clever and full of awkward situations, the novel follows two people thrown together in increasingly chaotic circumstances with predictably delightful results. Beneath the humour, O’Leary also explores loneliness, identity and the ways people connect with one another. Her books always strike a lovely balance between warmth and wit, making them especially satisfying comfort reads during winter.

Verdict: A funny, uplifting romance guaranteed to brighten gloomy days.