January 2026
LEGACY by Thomas Harding. Fascinating, epic story of the origin and development of the J Lyons empire. European, Jewish, immigrant and social history in a family setting over two centuries. The family member who writes the book takes us through their start in mass catering to the opening of Lyons Corner Houses, the Trocadero, the Regent and Strand Palace Hotels and Wimpy bars. The family was intensely loyal and ran a unique financial set up which protected and looked after a huge family. Although lengthy it is highly readable. 

Satisfaction: 7. Writing style: 7. Recommend: Yes. Read more by author: Yes

February 2026
RAISING HARE by Chloe Dalton. How a political adviser rescues a leveret during Covid and the life-changing impact on both lives. Our group (mostly) found it a delightful, well-written story, both appropriate and elevating for this time of year. Although an animal lover, the writer had no knowledge or experience of hares but set about researching and learning in detail to help the hare. A unique, unusual, and beautifully written book.

Satisfaction: 7.5. Writing Style: 8. Recommend: Yes. Read more by author: n/a

March 2026
A LOVELY WAY TO BURN by Louise Welsh. Fast-paced psychological thriller which started out well but didn’t quite maintain momentum or attention. The story is about a killer virus and was written before the pandemic. There were some parallels but also some unrealistic ideas. The book is quite well written and easy to read. 

Satisfaction: 5. Writing Style: 5. Recommend: No. Read more by author: No

April 2026
A TOWN LIKE ALICE by Nevil Shute. A simple but ingenious classic novel. At times brutal but also a gentle war romance. Set in Japanese-occupied Malaya the key character, Jean Paget, leads a group of captured women and children. The story falls into three parts but the narration slides seamlessly between times. It keeps moving at a good pace but is easy to read. Sometimes ahead of its 1940s/50s setting it illustrates how women were establishing and asserting themselves in challenging times.

Satisfaction: 9. Writing Style: 9. Recommend: Yes. Read more by author: Yes