We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
‘Power Hour: How to Focus on Your Goals and Create a Life You Love’ by Adrienne Herbert
Bridie Wilkins, Fitness Director
‘I’m not usually one for self-help books with lofty claims to “transform your life”, but Adrienne Herbert’s debut book, Power Hour, proved that some really are that powerful. The premise is simple: reclaim a single hour of your day to do something for yourself. Carving out those 60 minutes of focus and solitude since reading the book has enabled me to prioritise my goals – and achieve them. It’s the type of book where you can’t turn a page without highlighting something for future ref. One that has stuck with me: “Commitment is a rare commodity and it requires dedication, but I don’t think there is a single ingredient that is more important when it comes to achieving your goals.”‘
‘Rouge’ by Mona Awad
Isabelle Knevett, Fashion Features Editor
‘I’m a gothic novel fanatic, and this modern satirical horror combines some of my favourite things: a complex female character, cults, a meditation on mortality and a biting critique of the beauty industry. It follows a lonely woman who, after the death of her beautiful and unhinged mother, embarks on a dangerous quest for true beauty. With its black humour and sultry take on horror, it’s a must-read – especially if you’re thinking about booking another Botox appointment.’
‘Good Enough: A Framework for Modern Parents’ by Dr Tara Porter
Georgie Lane-Godfrey, Features Director
‘I’ve currently got clinical psychologist Dr Tara Porter’s Good Enough on my nightstand, which is all about reframing our attitude to parenting so that it’s less about perfection and more about balance and boundaries. It’s refreshing to read something which isn’t telling you you’re a terrible parent for whatever ridiculous reason is currently trending on social media. I’m into it. ‘
‘If I Had Your Face’ by Frances Cha
Louella Berryman, Food Writer
‘In 2025’s dizzyingly confusing world of weight-loss jabs and “tweakments”, there’s never been a more relevant time to pick up a copy of Frances Cha’s 2020 novel, If I Had Your Face. Set in contemporary Seoul, Cha’s debut book follows four women as they navigate life in a city that boasts some of the highest plastic surgery rates in the world. The fascinating setting and grippy plot are perfect pool-side fodder, but chick-lit this is not. Cha’s characters provide a thoughtful insight into South Korean beauty culture and examine what it means to be a woman when your only means of fortune is your face.’
‘Taboo’ by Hannah Ferguson
Jessica O’Donnell, E-commerce Editor
‘My housemate has been trying to convince me to read this book for weeks now, and next week on our trip to Morocco I’ll finally be able to take her up on her passionate recommendation. Part memoir, part wider exploration of modern womanhood, Taboo urges women to talk about all the things we’re conditioned not to: money, sex, friendship, body image and other topics we’re encouraged to stay quiet about.’
‘The Wedding People’ by Alison Espach
Chloe Gray, Acting Health Editor
‘While in Santorini recently I inhaled The Wedding People by Alison Espach. It is about a newly single, suicidal woman who checks into a White Lotus-esque hotel to end her life, only to discover the place taken over by a wedding party which she begrudgingly becomes part of. It sounds dark, but it’s actually hilarious and light, and the writing is beautiful too. Would recommend to anyone who has a couple of days to get lost in a new life via a good book.’
‘This Is Not Propaganda’ by Peter Pomeranstev
Isabelle Knevett, Fashion Features Editor
‘I absolutely hoovered up this book by Peter Pomerantsev – it dives into how social media and the internet are being used to spread misinformation and shape political narratives. In a time when we’re more glued to our phones than ever, and the line between fact and fiction keeps blurring, it feels like essential reading. One of the best books I’ve read in years.’
More summer health reads:
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
link