Your Top Autumn Rom-Com Reads

Words by Ashleigh Houlton

Set in New York, where best friend Amy resides, it tells the tale of everyday ups and downs, from heartbreak to work problems, through the eyes of Tess Brookes. If it’s anywhere near as good as Kelk’s I HEART series, then we can’t wait to get our hands on this book, due to hit the shelves 5th November. Ever been in that sticky situation where your feelings for someone are unreciprocated? Then you’ll totally understand where Tess is coming from.

Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) returns, this time on a road trip to Las Vegas as she comes to her family and friend’s rescue, when they need help most. And yes, she’s got another crazy plan to make it happen in this warm and fun addition to the iconic Shopaholic series.

A festive treat from the Sunday Times bestseller, Tabby hits an all-time low, ending up boyfriendless, jobless and catless, but in the words of Primal Scream, she’s ‘movin’ on up now’, as things take a positive and exciting turn for the main character. A good pick-me-up when you you’re having one of those ‘I hate my life moments’. NB, it can’t get much worse than Tabby’s.

The much-anticipated sequel to Me Before You, from award-winning writer Moyes, has finally arrived and it doesn't fail to please – we reckon this will be selling in its millions too. Lou Clark is back and this time she has a whole load of new issues to face and life changing decisions to make. There’ll be tears, there’ll be laughter and there’ll be joy as you see how Lou tackles the truths of modern life.

This was a real eye-opening read, as we see Anna transform from a shy and reserved character, who simply settles for ‘ordinary’, in to a confident and self-assured woman, sparked by the delivery of several parcels from a mystery sender.

Chocolate, Christmas, romance and friendship float your boat? Obvs. Sunday Times bestseller author of 27 novels, Matthews, tells the story of Lucy, Nadia, Chantal and Autumn as they deal with relationship woes and muddle together to pull through the tough times. This is the perfect Sunday book to settle down with. FYI, chocolate is mentioned A LOT, in case the title doesn’t give it away, so you’ll need your own stash to dig in to during this read.

In a nutshell, the two main characters, Jasmine and Matt, both end up on gardening leave at the same time, and it just so happens that they live on the same street - we know what you're thinking - but the plot doesn't unravel as we had expected. Ahern captures the gritty details of Jasmine's life, now she has no job to fill it, and it's as if we're going through it with her.  The unlikely relationships that form between several characters along the way, namely Jasmine and Matt, are so heartfelt and uplifting, that we found ourselves reaching for the tissue box. 

Forgotten what sunshine, sea and sand looks like? Indulge in this warm and witty number from the queen of chick lit, Colgan. The lovable and endearing baker, Polly Waterford, finally feels as though her life is on track in all areas, until a series of unsettling events occur in her seaside town of Mount Polbearne, Cornwall. We can’t help but feel for her when she deals with dilemmas many of us have or will face at some point. Well, maybe not the part about her pet puffin, Neil.

For any of you that have had to move in with your partner’s parents to save up for a first home, and you weren’t short of pulling your hair out, this read will make you STOP and put things in perspective. From the mum’s less than desirable cooking and wild karaoke nights, to the non-existent ‘private time’, Costello tells the story of young couple Gemma and Dan, with ease and humour.

Sophie’s life changes forever when she receives a mysterious and unexpected inheritance pay out. There’s just one catch, she has to meet the father she’s never known. Bramley documents the raw mix of emotions Sophie feels along the way, as if you’re going through the process yourself, with a touch of heart-warming romance for good measure.