“Happy Land is a transporting multi-generational novel about the stories that shape up and the dazzling courage it takes to dream”

As the year draws to a close, this will be the last blog of 2024. I want to wish everyone and happy and healthy Christmas, and New Year for 2025. Thinking about looking ahead to a new year and being a literature student, it made sense to do the twelve days of Christmas, in the form of new book releases, next year. A couple of notes to help you- my work cited list gives the pages where you can get these books and all but three titles, do not have a specific release date but can be pre-ordered on the Penguin website.

Of course, this is an unusual blog, in the sense I have not read these books myself, but feel they will be recommended reading in 2025. I have complied this collection, which you can see in the photos, both from personal interest and to give a wide range of genres.  I will list each book with a very brief description of it, to give you a mini flavour of them all. Who knows, I might be reviewing some of these in the months to come! Whether you are treating yourself or someone else to a new book, I hope 2025 is filled with happy reading time for you! That is another stack of books to add to my collection!

• The Original Daughter- Jemimah Wei- This debut novel charts the rise and fall of a family in Singapore, at the millennium. Themes of ambition and sisterhood. I find debut novels a great way to see a new author, and the freshness of their work.
• The Fate of The Day- Rick Atkinson- For history lovers, this second novel of a trilogy, follows George Washington’s army, as it fights on the edge of victory or defeat. History books give both data and the drama of the situation they are documenting.
• Through Mom’s Eyes- Sheinelle Jones- A light read yet moving, on celebrity mothers and the journey of motherhood. Looking at the joys and moments that a mother faces and more so, when the child is famous. A book that can be read anywhere and picked up at any point.
• The Maids Secret- Nita Prose- A gripping book about an arts heist at the Regency Grand and how the main character Molly, finds her life in danger. An enjoyable book for crime novel readers.
• Happy Land- Dolen Perkins- Valdez- A story about a woman discovering her family’s connection to a vanished American kingdom. My quote was inspired from this book and the “dazzling courage” it takes to dream and have confidence. Definitely a book I would like to get. Adventure and twists are the ingredients in this novel.
• The Jackal’s Mistress- Chris Bohjalian- A civil war story of love, that was inspired by a real friendship. While a woman’s husband is away fighting, she has to decide if she will risk her life and help an injured Yankee soldier. A blend of real and fictional narrative weaved in this book.
• how to love better– yung pueblo- A mindfulness book for those who want to develop a greater compassion, kindness and gratitude in all life’s relationships.
• We All Live Here– Jojo Moyes- Moyes always delivers a great read and this story follows Lila’s chaotic life and the return of her father after thirty-five years. A story about the importance of both love and family. A light book to be enjoyed as a relaxing read.
• Harlem Rhapsody– Victoria Christopher Murray- A true history of the woman who inspired the Harlem renaissance through literary voices. Another interesting read for American history lovers and the significance role that literature plays.
• Ocean– Out May 2025. David Attenborough and Colin Butfield- A truly inspiring look at the unexplored areas of the planet’s oceans, one of the final unexplored frontiers on earth. Magnificent photos, information and the great quality of Attenborough’s insights.
• Albion– Anna Hope- Out 1^st May 2025. A mystery story of a family who gather for their father’s funeral. Secrets are found out over a weekend and everyone has a part to play in the events that happen. A real mystery and suspense novel.
• Table for One– Out 24^th April 2025. Emma Gannon- An interesting look at the most important relationship in our life- our own. A woman forgets to tend to her relationship and self-care, with herself. This book explores the rediscovery of that.

Work Cited-

• Penguin Random House. “Penguin Random House” Penguin Random House. Date Accessed- 10^th December 2024. URL- penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/coming-soon/.
• Golden Hare Books. “Golden Hare Books”. Golden Hare Books. Date Accessed- 10^th December 2024. URL-goldenharebooks.com/products/ocean-by-david-attenborough-and-colin-butfield.
• “Cosmopolitan”. Cosmopolitan. Date Accessed-10^th December 2024. URL-cosmopolitan/uk/entertainment/g63033380/best-books-2025/.