Get lost in romance with uplifting reads

Escape the everyday with VERONICA HENRY’S pick of the latest fiction for women

A PERFECT HUSBAND by Hilary Boyd Quercus, £18.99 WHEN Lily discovers that her husband Freddy has gambled away everything they own, she feels she has no choice but to walk away. But can she start a new life without the husband she thought was so perfect?

This is a story about addiction, primarily to gambling but also to heroin. And underlying that is the addiction to people we love but who perhaps aren’t very good for us.

This is my first Hilary Boyd novel and I was struck by the depth and intelligence with which she tackles a difficult subject but writing with a light touch to keep you turning the pages.

Her characters are real, flawed and attractive and there are sumptuous locations and glamorous details to lighten the dark side of this morality tale.

THIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE by Katie Marsh Hodder, £7.99 ABI Cooper is in remission from cancer. She should be celebrating but the impact of her illness upon her family has left deep scars and brought about some big changes. It seems as if the life she has fought to cling on to is falling apart.

Amid all the escapist summer fiction, this emotional rollercoaster of a read reminds us what could happen to any of us. But it is also a reminder of all the important things in life: love and family and friends.

Abi’s adjustment to her new reality is profoundly touching and moving and brings home the message: we are who we love. THE ROME AFFAIR by Karen Swan Pan, £7.99 KAREN Swan has been Queen Of Glitzlit for some time now. This is her second book set in a European capital so I suspect she is gearing up to a themed series. Francesca Hackett, recently sacked from her job as a tourist guide in Rome, is hired to collate the memoirs of ageing socialite Elena Damiani. However, Elena is hiding secrets, as of course is Francesca.

When a series of tunnels is discovered underneath the piazza where they live, subterranean subterfuge ensues.

Glittering jewels, designer labels galore and the most mouth-watering pizza in Rome make this a satisfying summer beach read. THE LEMON TREE CAFé

by Cathy Bramley Corgi, £7.99 AS sweet and comforting as a Bramley apple pie, this novel is set in a café and feels like being gently dropped on to a soap opera set in a Derbyshire village, with a trip to Sorrento a bonus.

Rosie has left her high-flying job to run her grandmother’s ailing café. But is it beyond help? And what happens when she comes face to face with a figure from her past? The multi-generational customers of

the café keep this story rolling along at a merry pace. Its gentle good humour and optimism will warm the stoniest of hearts.

THE ARRANGEMENT by Sonya Lalli Orion, £8.99 THIS book is as bright and uplifting as its gorgeous cover. The debut novel from Canadian-born journalist Sonya Lalli, it follows Raina’s struggle to be the perfect Indian daughter as she hurtles towards 30.

Her matchmaking Nani has posted her profile on IndianSingles. com with the ensuing chaos complicated by the appearance of the love of Raina’s life, her ex-boyfriend Dev.

It’s a sweet and funny story about learning to be true to yourself and Raina’s family, friends and dilemmas will keep you hooked.

SAY MY NAME by Allegra Huston HQ, £12.99 TRAPPED in a miserable marriage, Eve is jolted out of her midlife doldrums by an affair with Micajah, the much-younger rock star son of an old friend, and embarks on a sensual journey of self-discovery. At the same time she discovers a beautiful but damaged musical instrument in the back of a junk shop and sets out to restore it to its former glory. Perhaps the restoration of the instrument is a metaphor for her own rebirth?

The tale is pure fantasy sprinkled with some bedroom scenes that are tame by today’s standards but this might raise your pulse if you’re looking for something to heat up your holiday.

THE OLIVE TREE by Lucinda Riley Pan, £7.99 THIS 600-page doorstop is more contemporary than her usual sweeping historical fiction but it is no less escapist for that. It will whisk you away to the glorious sunshine of Cyprus where Helena has been left a crumbling house by her godfather. The aptly named Pandora is the keeper of many secrets within its walls, which Helena is battling to keep from her husband and son while keeping a houseful of guests happy.

It is partly written from the point of view of Helena’s 13-year-old son, which is refreshingly different.

THE SUMMER OF SERENDIPITY by Ali McNamara Sphere, £7.99 THERE are light and frothy shenanigans on the west coast of Ireland as property seeker Serendipity Parker and her assistant Kiki search out the perfect house for their client.

Castles, lakes, legends and stags abound in the good-natured romantic comedy which is McNamara’s trademark.

As she discovers the magical qualities of this breathtaking part of the world, Serendipity is determined to uncover the secret behind the Welcome House and its mysterious owner. A novel full of Celtic charm.

The Forever House by Veronica Henry is out now (Orion, £7.99)