What better present can there be than a good book? So, why not treat yourself or a loved one to one of our hand-picked northern reads? There’s something for everyone…

For fans of Gentleman Jack…

LEARNED BY HEART
BY EMMA DONOGHUE

The heartbreaking story of the love of two women – Anne Lister, the real-life inspiration behind Gentleman Jack, and her first love, Eliza Raine – from the bestselling author of Room and The Wonder. In 1805, two 14-year-old girls first meet at a boarding school in York. As they fall in love, the connection they forge will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

£14.99. Picador. Out now.

 

Ideal for romance lovers…

THE MANOR HOUSE GOVERNESS
BY C.A. CASTLE

Castle has written a contemporary, queer homage to classic northern literature and the period drama; a joyous, uplifting contemporary story about finding yourself and a reminder that queer love can thrive in the present whilst embracing our literary past. All Brontë Ellis has ever known is life at St.Mary’s all-boys boarding school. So when a chance to forge a new life presents itself, he seizes it with both hands…

£8.99. Black & White. Out 9th Nov.

For those in need of some Christmas magic…

WINTER’S WISHFALL
BY CERI HOULBROOK

Ceri Houlbrook lives in Manchester and has written a sweet and magical mystery, with touches of mythology as well as a blossoming romance. Arriving on a tiny Scottish island that doesn’t appear on any maps, Ellie discovers her new role involving archiving letters written to Father Christmas by children (and the occasional adult) worldwide. £8.99. Black and White. Out now.

 

Made for mystery lovers…

TASTE OF BLOOD
BY LYNDA LA PLANTE

The gripping new Detective Jane Tennison thriller from the Liverpool-born Queen of Crime Drama, Lynda La Plante. Against her boss’s orders, Jane uncovers a trove of dark secrets in sleepy Clarendon Court involving a tragic death and a forbidden love affair. She hunts for the missing evidence to identify a vicious killer, knowing that this case will either make her career – or break it.

£22. Zaffre. Out now.

 

To challenge the know-it-all in the family…

FINGERS ON BUZZERS!
BY JENNY RYAN & LUCY PORTER

An interactive, kaleidoscopic bonanza celebration and history of the Great British quiz from comedian Lucy Porter and Boltonborn Chaser Jenny Ryan. For quiz fans everywhere, Fingers on Buzzers! is a nostalgic celebration of our great British obsession – from the early days of TV quiz shows to our more recent love of the pub quiz – incorporating a vast host of pop quizzes for the whole family to enjoy.

£14.99. John Blake. Out now.

 

Perfect for film fanatics…

QUIZ, ACTUALLY – THE FESTIVE FAMILY FILM TRIVIA BOOK
BY JOE SHOOMAN

Joe Shooman lives in Liverpool and has written for many national newspapers and magazines. Packed with tricky, fun and entertaining quiz questions, Quiz Actually will test you and your loved ones this Christmas on the movies we love to watch. Get ready to discover who knows Miracle on 34th Street from their Nightmare On Elm Street!

£9.99. John Blake. Out now.

NorthernLife Nov/Dec 23