Winter 25 Book Club

This winter, there’s no better excuse to stay in from the cold and lose yourself in a good book. Curl up by the fire with stories that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your breath in suspense.

Let yourself be transported to northern towns, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or historic times, and savour the comfort, excitement, and escape that only a great read can bring. The perfect companions for long, cosy winter evenings.

ALL OF MY DAYS

BY MURPHY’S SKETCHES

Preston-based writer and artist Kerri Cunningham captures the raw, joyful, and often chaotic essence of motherhood in this beautifully curated collection of poems and illustrations. A perfect gift for new mums, or a treat for yourself, All Of My Days takes readers from those first tender moments of early parenthood through to the school years and beyond.

Celebrating the magic in everyday life, both the good days and the hard ones, Cunningham’s words offer comfort, connection, and a gentle reminder that no one is alone in this journey. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to share with every mum you know.

£12.99. Published by Fox & Ink Books. Available from 19th February.  Preorder here. 

WORKTOWN

BY BILL HODSON

Inspired by the 1938 Bolton Mass Observation study, this thought-provoking novel explores class, love, and belonging in a northern mill town. Born and raised in Bolton, and from a family of mill workers, Hodson gives voice to those once merely observed, the working-class people whose lives went unrecorded beyond data. At its heart is the tender yet fraught relationship between Edward, a Cambridge graduate seeking purpose, and Molly, a young cotton weaver longing for escape. As the gulf between their worlds widens, they must face whether love can truly bridge the divide.

£9.99. Published by The Book Guild Ltd. Available now here. 

GOOD DAYS

BY MICHAEL ROSEN

In an uncertain world, we all need a little hope and happiness, and Michael Rosen’s dictionary of delights is the perfect place to find it. Each letter of the alphabet reveals a moment of everyday magic, celebrating the small joys that lift our spirits and bring comfort to daily life. Ideal for dipping into whenever you need a boost, this joyful compendium encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and playfulness. Whether starting the New Year with a smile or brightening an ordinary day, Rosen’s words are a reminder of the simple wonders that surround us.

£16.99. Published by Ebury Publishing. Available now here. 

WHEN WE WERE DIVIDED

BY LIZ FLANAGAN

Multi-award-winning children’s author Liz Flanagan takes a bold step into adult historical fiction with this searing debut. Set in Yorkshire, 1643, during the Civil War, the novel explores family, political conflict, and forbidden love with sensitivity and depth. Sisters Jane and Isabel are torn apart by war, plague, and secrets, while Kit assumes a stolen identity to survive, finding hope, friendship, and love in the king’s army. Flanagan’s expert storytelling intertwines their lives with tension, heartbreak, and resilience, crafting a vivid, unforgettable tale. This beautifully written novel lingers long after the final page, a powerful exploration of courage, loyalty, and love.

£10.99. Published by Fox & Ink Books. Available from 12th Feb. Preorder here. 

WE CALL THEM WITCHES

BY INDIA-ROSE BOWER

A gripping, high-octane horror-romance that will leave readers both terrified and breathless. Set in a post-apocalyptic Yorkshire haunted by eldritch creatures, Sara and her family fight to survive against relentless danger. When a mysterious girl appears, Sara discovers love in the unlikeliest of circumstances, but the threat of the witches is ever-present. After her brother is kidnapped, Sara and the girl must traverse merciless moors to face the creatures they’ve long feared.

£18.99. Published by Penguin Michael Joseph. Available from 22nd Jan. Preorder here. 

NorthernLife Dec/Jan/Feb 26