The week’s best new books

Tomes that are worthy of your time

Sweet Sorrow DAVID NICHOLLS (HODDER

& STOUGHTON, £20) A decade ago, David Nicholls’ One Day depicted a relationship by catching up with the two main characters on the same day each year. Now, his new book focuses with laser-guided precision on just one summer in the life of seemingly unremarkable 16-year-old Charlie Lewis, who spends his time bantering with his immature mates and trying to work out what to do with his life. When he meets a bunch of am-dram types and reluctantly agrees to take part in their production of Romeo And Juliet just so he can bond with the pretty and charming Fran, a life-changing summer of love ensues. A superbly written, beautifully observed account of teenage life, love, family dysfunction and friendship, which builds to a stunningly poignant ending. ★★★★★ Boyd Hilton

Come Back For Me HEIDI PERKS (CENTURY, £12.99)

If you grew up on a tiny isolated island that your family left very suddenly, would you go back after a body was found in your old garden? When the police visit all past residents of Evergreen, Stella rakes through her memories. Her parents never told her or her siblings what caused them to dramatically flee in the night – fracturing their family in the process. Determined to get answers and egged on by a local reporter, Stella returns to her past. Her beloved island is no longer the idyll she recalls, and with current residents so unwelcoming, she wonders what they’re all hiding… A highly addictive and thrilling read. ★★★★★ Deborah Hughes

The Thunder Girls MELANIE BLAKE (PAN MACMILLAN, £7.99)

In the ’80s , The Thunder Girls were a pop phenomenon, selling millions of records. But they split at the height of their fame when one of them went solo, and the others haven’t spoken to her since. Thirty years later, though, their record company want them to reunite for a massive gig at Wembley… Documenting the highs and lows of friendship, as well as providing a fascinating insight into the music business, this deserves a place in your beach bag. ★★★★ Kitty Warwick

On My Life ANGELA CLARKE (MULHOLLAND, £7.99)

Jenna finally has the life she always dreamed of, until one day, her world is turned upside down when she comes home to find her stepdaughter murdered and fiancé missing. With all the evidence pointing to her, Jenna finds herself awaiting trial for murder and locked up in prison, where a crazed killer seems to be set on making her life a misery. Desperate to find out who framed her, Jenna begins to discover that the people she trusted the most aren’t quite who they seem to be. But will she be able to discover the truth in time to set her free? With shocking twists until the very end, you wont want to put this down. ★★★★ Laura Wallington