Happy World Book Day, friends! As you may know, here at Bella Grace, we love to read. We often refer to our publication as the “magazine that thinks its a book” for its beautifully penned stories and extended shelf life. In celebration of World Book Day, our editor (an avid reader with wonderful taste!) is sharing her current top book picks with us. Find her recommendations below:

The Four Books Our Editor is Recommending Right Now

It’s no secret that I love to read. Among my circle of friends, it’s what I’m known for, and I’m forever being asked how many books I’ve read since the beginning of the year. With more celebrities announcing their own book clubs, reading seems to be cool again, and I’ve been finding myself having the same conversation with people who want to get back into reading but don’t know where to begin. There are so many books out there, and it can be overwhelming to know which one will jump-start your reading life. I often find myself drawing a blank when I’m asked for book recommendations. Reading is such a subjective thing; what I look for in a book may be completely different than what you look for. Depending on my mood, I may want something fluffy and feel-good or a page-turning murder mystery. I do have a go-to list of books I’ll recommend to anyone who asks. I try to keep it varied so that they’ll be more likely to find whatever it is they’re looking for. It’s ever evolving, but here it is as it stands now:

1. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

This book is just the right amount of absurd. It involves long-lost friends, a set of twins that catches on fire when they get upset (yes, you read that right), and a heartwarming bond. I laughed out loud many times while reading this, but I also cried a couple times as well. I had my reservations when I first picked it up, but I’m so glad I did.

2. The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

One of my favorite things to read about is a dysfunctional family harboring a lot of secrets. It can be the perfect type of story to read when you want some
mystery but no violence. This novel focuses on the relationship between Lucy and Diana, and all the complications that can sometimes occur between a
woman and her mother-in-law.

3. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

This book has been one of my go-to recommendations since first reading it over 10 years ago. Sometimes we all need a touch of magical realism in our
lives, and Claire Waverly, who is able to make people feel a specific emotion through cooking, provides just the right amount. It reminds me a little of
“Practical Magic,” which is a very good thing.

4. Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Many people know this author because of “A Man Called Ove,” which is absolutely wonderful and I’ll add that in as a bonus recommendation. “Beartown,” however, has dethroned my previous favorite book, “A Portrait of a Lady,” and that’s no small feat. It’s a story about the hopes and downfalls of a small town in Sweden, and the courage it takes for someone to really go against the grain and speak their truth. The writing is beautiful, and the story will tear at your heart.

Though I’m constantly making recommendations for others, I’m also always looking for them. What are your go-to book suggestions? There’s always room on my TBR (to-be-read) pile!