A peek behind the secret lives of church ladies...

Pick of the best new fiction and non-fiction releases

FICTION

THE SECRET LIVES OF CHURCH LADIES Deesha Philyaw

Pushkin ONE, £14.99 (ebook £9.99).

The phrase ‘church ladies’ conjures up a variety of images, according to the reader’s own cultural understanding of the church. The Secret Lives Of Church Ladies is a modern glimpse into the deeper feelings and emotions of a group of black female friends, linked by their childhood membership of a congregation. The women meet every New Year’s Eve, when they can express their secret desires, forbidden loves, and transgressive thoughts. Funny, affectionate, startling, even shocking, they share things we may think, but can only say to our closest confidantes. The umbrella of the ladies’ church connection adds another dimension to this collection of stories – the sense that someone – God perhaps – is listening.

THROWN

Sara Cox

9/10

Coronet, priced £14.99 (ebook £6.99). Wannabe authors are often told to write about what they know. It’s hard to tell how much Radio 2 DJ and broadcaster Sara Cox knows about being the manager of a community centre, but her life lessons and presenting experience from The Great Pottery Throwdown has definitely come up trumps. Weaving the stories of four women who decide to sign up for a local

pottery class, she has created a welcoming world full of wonder and hope, set against gritty real-life problems that are often kept secret. It’s a pleasure to get to know the characters of Thrown – especially Becky, a single mum who is learning about herself and growing stronger and more independent every day and Sheila, who is yearning to start a new life in Spain, but needs to get her husband to agree. A great summer read, with Cox’s voice jumping off the page.

9/10