Here are 6 books that Yesteryear fans have personally recommended if you like Yesteryear. Book DNA is a community of 13,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Our Holiday

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a multi-award-winning film and television producer; before that, I was a theatre director. I’ve spent my life telling stories, whether through theatre plays or television dramas. It doesn’t matter if you’re watching a TV drama or reading a book; the same rules apply to creating a great story. It needs compelling characters, an intriguing plot, and a strong sense of place. I love the murder/mystery genre, and nearly all the books I read fall into this category, so it’s no surprise that the first book I’ve written is a cosy crime. 

Jayne's book list on contemporary murder/mystery novels by women writers and one bloke who isn’t Richard Osman

Jayne Chard Why Jayne loves this book

I’ve read a few books by this author and have never been disappointed. I particularly like Our Holiday because it’s not only a cracking yarn, but it has something to say about the impact of holiday homes on local communities.  

During their summer visit to their holiday home in Pine Ridge, a picture-postcard coastal village, Sloane Rangers Charlotte and Perry find they need more than sunscreen for protection. Their not-as-wealthy friends, Amy and Linus, have also recently bought a place there, but this is more of a source of irritation to Charlotte and Perry than a comfort. Simmering tension with the locals builds to a violent and unexpected crescendo, and it takes more than a bucket and spade to dig up the dead body.

By Louise Candlish ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Our Holiday as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A bestselling gripping new thriller from the author of Our House, full of characters you'll love to hate and twists you'll never see coming!

'Riveting' THE TIMES

'A superstar of psychological thrillers' DAILY MAIL

A Richard and Judy Book Club Pick: 'We both loved this sizzling summer scorcher of a book'

Charlotte and Perry long for summers at Cliff View, their gorgeous holiday home overlooking the turquoise waters of Pine Ridge. And now that city friends Amy and Linus have bought a property nearby, they plan lazy weeks of sun, sea and sipping rose on Charlotte's summerhouse…


If you love Yesteryear...

Book cover of These Blue Mountains

These Blue Mountains by Sarah Loudin Thomas,

A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.

German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…

Book cover of The Drowning Woman

Roz Nay Author Of The Offing

From my list on sneaky thrills and twists.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a backpacker at heart, a high school English teacher, and a bestselling author with an eye on what’s really happening under the surface and what people are really thinking. My mum taught me early to "watch the quiet ones," and I’ve always been fascinated by the way people can promote a very public self while maintaining something totally different on the inside. Perhaps that’s why I love a good twist! I also think that in the current climate of extremely savvy thriller readers, it’s impressive to wrongfoot readers and stay true to the clues hidden in the pages.

Roz's book list on sneaky thrills and twists

Roz Nay Why Roz loves this book

Robyn Harding is so good at outsmarting readers and knowing which way to deke in a plot. This book has a midpoint turn that literally made me gasp.

Set at the fallout of the Covid pandemic, Harding has created characters who’ve already lost everything, and the stakes could not be higher. Told in tight, lean prose, it’s a masterclass in how to puppeteer desperate people and construct a fantastic plot swerve.

By Robyn Harding ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Drowning Woman as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the bestselling author of The Party comes a "dark and wild ride of redemption, betrayal, and friendship" following a homeless woman fleeing a dangerous past-and the wealthy society wife she saves from drowning: "As twisty and pacey as it gets" (Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push).
Most anticipated by Goodreads * Indigo? * SheReads

Lee Gulliver never thought she'd find herself living on the streets-no one ever does-but when her restaurant fails, and she falls deeper into debt, she leaves her old life behind with nothing but her clothes and her Toyota Corolla. In…


Book cover of Every Summer After

Noreen Nanja Author Of The Summers Between Us

From my list on dual-timeline romances.

Why am I passionate about this?

Why do I love dual-timeline romance so much? Because, for me, it’s all about character depth. I’m fascinated by what makes characters tick—those defining moments in their past that shape their inner wounds, their dreams, and subsequently, their reactions in the present. When a dual timeline is done right, I am fully invested in both narratives. And being able to watch the main characters fall in love not just once but twice doubles the emotional impact and makes their happily ever after even sweeter. Witnessing them fall in love initially and then earn their second chance in the present always keeps me riveted!

Noreen's book list on dual-timeline romances

Noreen Nanja Why Noreen loves this book

This book is the Canadian romance of my dreams. It features Percy and Sam as they meet and fall in love as teenagers and again as they reunite in the present over a tragic loss. I love how this book features beautiful Barry’s Bay in a way that makes cottage country feel like a character in the novel, and I absolutely loved the vivid, descriptive writing.

Percy feels like a fully fleshed-out person. While there was a terrible mistake in her past, I could really feel how it weighed on her for so many years. I couldn’t help but root for her to find her second-chance happy ending with Sam. What I love most about this book is the perfect mix of longing, earnest friendship, and angst. It kept me turning the pages until late in the night!

By Carley Fortune ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Every Summer After as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'A radiant debut' EMILY HENRY

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

Six summers to fall in love. One moment to fall apart. A weekend to get it right.

They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser that has felt too true for the last decade, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.

Until the day she gets a call that sends…


If you love Caro Claire Burke...

Book cover of The Extraordinary Journey of David Ingram: An Elizabethan Sailor in Native North America

The Extraordinary Journey of David Ingram by Dean Snow,

An ordinary sailor named David Ingram walked 3600 miles from Mexico to Canada over the course of eleven months in 1568-9. There, he and two companions were rescued by a French ship on the Bay of Fundy. They were the first Englishmen to explore the interior of North America.

English…

Book cover of A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking

Jo Miles Author Of Tea & Treachery at the Infinite Pantry

From my list on delicious fantastical food.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love food. From watching my grandma bake pie as a kid, to learning to bake vegan cookies in my college co-op, to checking out a new restaurant—whether it’s old family favorites or a chef’s tasting menu, I’m happiest when I’m eating something delicious and sharing it with others. I incorporate tasty food into my books wherever I can (bonus points if I “have” to try some things as research), and it was inevitable that I’d write a series like The Infinite Pantry where food plays a starring role. I hope this list gives you some mouthwatering new reads!

Jo's book list on delicious fantastical food

Jo Miles Why Jo loves this book

This book is pure fun with a side of delicious pastries.

I love stories about an obscure, seemingly useless magical ability that the main character figures out how to use to save the day. In this case, magically animated baked goods! Of course, there are lots of delicious-sounding cakes and cookies at this magical bakery, which is why I picked it up.

I did not expect baked goods to literally save the kingdom! It’s absolutely zany—but it’s also full of the cleverness and heart that I love most about Kingfisher’s fantasy.

By T. Kingfisher ,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Fourteen-year-old Mona isn't like the wizards charged with defending the city. She can't control lightning or speak to water. Her familiar is a sourdough starter and her magic only works on bread. She has a comfortable life in her aunt's bakery making gingerbread men dance.

But Mona's life is turned upside down when she finds a dead body on the bakery floor. An assassin is stalking the streets of Mona's city, preying on magic folk, and it appears that Mona is his next target. And in an embattled city suddenly bereft of wizards, the assassin may be the least of…


Book cover of Food for Life

Jane McGuinness Author Of Always Hungry

From my list on cutting through the insanity of diet culture.

Why am I passionate about this?

A long time ago I lost a lot of weight, and I continue to maintain this loss after one decade. Perhaps understandably my passion and interest in health and nutrition have only grown, as I advocate moderation in all things and the benefits of taking a walk. Losing weight the old-fashioned way has inspired me to speak out against the madness that is diet-culture and the discrimination of people in larger bodies. I strive to quiet the food noise and embrace common sense, because, as it turns out, it’s not all that common! Fortunately, the books on my list are all abundant in wisdom, reason, and sound logic. Enjoy!

Jane's book list on cutting through the insanity of diet culture

Jane McGuinness Why Jane loves this book

This book is written by a man who is both a foodie and a scientist—always a good thing when I’m seeking sound, common sense advice by someone who also refuses to live a life that doesn’t include espresso, sourdough and the occasional glass of red. Love it.

Thanks to this terrific book, I now have a decent understanding of what my gut microbiome is, and just why eating a ton of different plants every week helps me to feel happier, more energised, and less likely to die. Given my passion for health and maintaining my substantial weight loss forever, I remain indebted to Tim Spector and his very useful book.

By Tim Spector ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Food for Life as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Life-changing' DAVINA McCALL
'A must-read' Dr RUPY AUJLA
'Fascinating' NIGELLA LAWSON
'Empowering' LIZ EARLE

**AS HEARD ON THE DIARY OF A CEO PODCAST**

**THE BOOK THAT INSPIRED THE FOOD FOR LIFE COOKBOOK**

Food is our greatest ally for good health, but the question of what to eat in the age of ultra-processed food has never seemed so complicated.

Drawing on cutting-edge research and personal insights, Professor Tim Spector offers clear answers in this definitive, easy-to-follow guide to the new science of eating well.

Empowering and practical, Food for Life is nothing less than a new approach to how to eat…


Book cover of Zero Days

Joni M. Fisher Author Of North of the Killing Hand

From my list on contemporary mysteries with outsider female sleuths.

Why am I passionate about this?

Growing up in a violent household drove me to find refuge in books and libraries. By vicariously experiencing other lives, I found inspiration in strong heroines. I am continuously attracted to stories where women who are victims of crime or injustice fight back with grit, brains, and strategy to win. That being said, in a worldly society that demands conformity in behavior and thought, the outsider—that independent thinker who embraces her individuality and faith—is my very favorite kind of heroine. The outsider heroine is also the kind I create in my books to inspire women to complain less and achieve more.

Joni's book list on contemporary mysteries with outsider female sleuths

Joni M. Fisher Why Joni loves this book

I recommend this book for its suspenseful pacing, fabulous characters, and resolute heroine who fights for justice despite extreme heartbreak and danger.

“Jack” and her husband Gabe are hired to break into buildings and computer networks to test their security systems, but one break-in goes sideways and turns deadly. Her courage is inspiring. “Jack” does an unusual job that is often mistaken for criminal activity.

I adore “Jack” because instead of collapsing into a pool of self-pity when her world falls apart, she draws strength to get justice against dangerous enemies.

By Ruth Ware ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Zero Days as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

PRE-ORDER ONE PERFECT COUPLE, THE THRILLING NEW NOVEL - AND THEN THERE WERE NONE meets THE TRAITORS - FROM INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR RUTH WARE, OUT JULY 2024!

'This is Ruth Ware like you've never read her before' DAVID BALDACCI

'She's done it again!' CLARE MACKINTOSH


HER HUSBAND HAS BEEN MURDERED AND SHE'S THE ONLY SUSPECT. WHAT SHOULD SHE DO?

Hired by companies to break into buildings and hack security systems, Jack and her husband Gabe are the best penetration specialists in the business. But after a routine assignment goes horribly wrong, Jack arrives home to find her husband dead.

It…


If you love Yesteryear...

Book cover of Starship Fleet Commander

Starship Fleet Commander by Aer-ki Jyr,

A series of galactic empire building, space battles, and the personal struggle of an exiled war leader to bring down the Galactic Empire that killed his mother and destroyed the Keeno Order.

Book cover of Our Holiday
Book cover of The Drowning Woman
Book cover of Every Summer After

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