December’s most anticipated Books For the Year 2023

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

 Release date: 5 December 2023

The awe-inspiring bestselling author of the New York Times, Ariel Lawhon, unveils her latest historical mystery, weaving a captivating tale inspired by the diary and life of Martha Ballard, an 18th-century midwife who courageously defied the legal system, leaving an indelible mark on American history.

A staunch advocate for women in literature, Ariel Lawhon achieved New York Times Bestselling author status with her enthralling novels “I Was Anastasia” and “Code Name Hélène.” Her works have earned critical acclaim for their intense and gripping storytelling, immersing readers in the narrative.

Lawhon skillfully portrays the life of an unsung heroine—fearless, empathetic, and determined to amplify the unheard voices while steadfastly refusing to accept injustice on behalf of those for whom no one raised a voice to protect. “The Frozen River” unfolds as a heartwarming and tense thriller, highlighting the extraordinary courage of a woman who dared to stand against the prevailing injustices faced by women in her time.

Martha Ballard transcends her role as a midwife and healer; she is a keen observer of the intricacies within Hallowell’s close-knit community. Her diary serves as a meticulous log, chronicling every birth, death, crime, and tragedy within the community.

Set in 1789 Maine, Martha is called upon to examine the lifeless body of a man retrieved from the frozen Kennebec River, aiming to uncover the cause of death. Recognizing the man as one of Hallowell’s esteemed noblemen accused of rape in Martha’s detailed account, she faces resistance when her conclusion is dismissed as an accident. Undeterred, Martha embarks on a perilous journey to independently investigate the shocking murder, driven by a quest for truth and justice within a backdrop of centuries-old inequalities.

The narrative unfolds with intricate details and a powerful storytelling approach, giving voice to history and revealing the compelling story of one woman’s quest for justice in 18th-century Maine. Ariel Lawhon, a masterful storyteller, delivers an absorbing narrative with breathtaking suspense in “The Frozen River,” captivating readers with chilling suspense and leaving them heated as the truth unfolds.

Praise for “The Frozen River”:

“A vivid, exciting page-turner from one of our most interesting authors of historical fiction.”
— Kirkus Reviews

“A thoroughly engaging, rich story with a murder mystery; secrets, gossip, and hypocrisy; a corrupt judge; a tightly knit community of villagers; women at the mercy of a patriarchal society; and the early stages of a developing justice system following the Revolutionary War. . . Turn the last page, and you will want more of this world she has created.”
— Historical Novel Society

“The Frozen River is so vivid, so textured and multilayered, that I felt I’d opened a door and entered post-revolutionary America, walking beside Lawhon’s compelling characters in a time and place riven by hardship, disease, and misogyny, but also intense love and searing natural beauty. This novel was unlike anything I’d read before, and it left me awe-struck.”
— Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of City of Light and Ashton Hall

“Effortless, eloquent prose transports the reader via a dramatic, suspenseful and satisfying work of historical fiction.” — USA Today

The Wildest Sun by Asha Lemmie

Release date: 5 December 2023

New York Times bestselling author of “Fifty Words for Rain,” Asha Lemmie, introduces her sweeping and evocative novel about the strife of a “coming-of-age” woman who delves into the past to explore her anticipation that a great literary legend is her father. This compelling and inspiring tale follows a soul-searching quest of a writer discovering her hopes, fears, and creativity through an evocative journey to unfold the truth. It’s a finely blended narrative, combining prose with lyricism, showcasing how our past shapes the dreams of our future to evolve and achieve.

“From France to Cuba, from war to revolution, The Wildest Sun is a moving meditation on the stories we tell others, the stories we tell ourselves, and how we break free of the past in order to write a brighter future. Simply marvelous!” — Janet Skeslien Charles, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library

“A portrait of a young woman finding herself amidst personal and historical turmoil, The Wildest Sun is bristling with courage, yet tender with vulnerability. Asha Lemmie, like her protagonist Delphine, is proving to the world that she is a literary force as she comes into her own with her astonishingly creative and accomplished sophomore epic.” — Sarah Addison Allen, New York Times bestselling author of Other Birds

Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You by Ali Abdaal

Release date: 26 December 2023

Ali Abdaal, a renowned productivity expert, medical school lecturer, junior Doctor in the UK’s National Health Service, and a seasonal magician, shares his wisdom on joyful productivity in his latest release, “Feel-Good Productivity.” A fresh addition to the top new releases, the book unveils the secret sauce to personal time management blissfully.

Ali revolutionizes the concept of productivity by integrating psychological research, emphasizing the importance of feeling good while achieving success. Through the introduction of the theory of “energizers,” “blockers,” and “sustainers,” he guides readers towards achieving success with simple and actionable changes for a better life and sustainable productivity benefits.

This isn’t just a book you’ll enjoy reading; it’s a transformative journey that will inspire you to elevate your productivity while basking in continuous happiness.

“Utterly unlike the grumpy, besuited psychology gurus you’re used to, Ali is the cheerful, optimistic productivity teacher the world sorely needs. Now, he has drawn upon his singularly engaging style to create a book that will change you for the better. A must-read!” – Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer, Google X, author of Solve for Happy and Scary Smart

“A much-needed antidote to hustle culture, this book is a reality check for any ambitious person who wants to build sustainable success. It offers the most practical approach to productivity that no one says yet all of us need to hear.” – Mark Manson, author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck

“Ali’s approach to productivity is exceptional and life-changing. This is a must-read if you want to experience the power of productivity in a whole new way.” – Professor Will Macaskill, University of Oxford, author of What We Owe the Future and Doing Good Better

Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment, 2) by Rebecca Ross

Release date: 26 December 2023

Rebecca Ross, the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy romance, presents “Ruthless Vows,” the next installment in her acclaimed historical fiction and fantasy romance duology “Letters of Enchantment.” This epic saga of Divine Rivals unfolds with unforgettable storytelling of love and betrayal, placing Iris and Roman in the proximity of deadly and impossible choices. Can they unravel the dark mystery, confront betrayal, and change the tide of war?

Intensely romantic, with a gripping terror of surprise and betrayal, “Ruthless Vows” is an enthralling tale that will captivate you, blending the fear of loss with love through the art of magic realism.

Calm Your Mind with Food: A Revolutionary Guide to Controlling Your Anxiety by Uma Naidoo MD

Release date: 26 December 2023

In “Calm Your Mind with Food,” Uma Naidoo, MD, offers a groundbreaking guide to transform the way you think about and manage anxiety. This revolutionary book empowers you to master the art of taming anxiety symptoms, nurturing the power to bring calmness to both your body and soul.

“This remarkable book beautifully illustrates how mindful eating can alleviate anxiety, offering a refreshing perspective in our anxiety-laden world. A must-read for those seeking solace and tranquility through the soothing embrace of nourishing meals.”―David Perlmutter, MD, author of Grain Brain and Drop Acid

“The antidote to stress. Essential reading.”―Tim Spector, author of Food for Life

“Calm Your Mind with Food takes the reader (and the eater) on a delicious, accessible, and realistic journey through making choices to not only better your health but calm your mind, too.”―Chef Cat Cora, first female Iron Chef