Give your mother something she actually wants this Mother’s Day. Put away the terrible-smelling perfume, the oven mitts, or the socks, and get a gift that shows your mum you care.
This year, why not give her the gift of a great book? If your mother is a bookworm, here are some tips on buying her next favourite read.
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The Best Books to Buy this Mother’s Day
Think about what your mum enjoys. Does she love gardening, travel, or diving into a gruesome murder case with her favourite detective?
What better way to show your love for the mother figures in your life than with books? Here are some recs across a range of genres that are sure to delight your mum with the perfect gift.
A Trip to Italy in the 1930s
For the mum that deserves a holiday, give her A Postcard from Italy by Alexandra Brown. Grace Quinn, who works at a storage company stumbles upon a forgotten art collection, along with letters and diaries from the 1930s.
S begins to piece together the story of Connie Levine, a young English woman who followed her heart to Italy after WWII. Grace finds herself drawn into a journey of her own. Escaping heartbreak and the weight of her controlling mother, she sets off to the stunning Italian Riviera, uncovering long-buried family secrets and perhaps even a second chance at love.
This beautiful story is perfect for the mama who has the travel bug or loves historical fiction.
A Classic Myth with Strong Female Leads
A Song of War by Ruth Downie is a gripping historical fiction anthology that reimagines the legendary Trojan War. Written by seven renowned authors, including Kate Quinn, the book weaves together multiple perspectives.
From heroes and cowards, queens and slaves, seers and kings. With each POV fighting to shape the fate of Troy. From Helen’s fateful elopement to the final burning of the city, these interwoven tales bring new depth to the epic conflict, blending history, mythology, and human drama.
For a Mother’s Day book that is perfect for all ages, this retelling of the classic myth is a great choice.
An Atmospheric Murder Mystery
If your mum is an Agatha Christie or Ann Cleeves lover, try A Guilty Thing Surprised by Ruth Rendell.
When Elizabeth Nightingale, a seemingly happy and privileged woman, is found murdered in the woods near her countryside home, Wexford and his colleague, Inspector Burden, must uncover the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of her idyllic life. As they dig deeper, they expose a web of hidden motives, betrayals, and long-buried grudges in this classic British whodunnit.
The Perfect Blend of Humour and Heart (and Time Travel)
If your mum loves stories with a touch of magical realism, Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale is the perfect read. Cassandra is a woman who loves routine. That is until her life unravels in a single day.
Fired from her job, dumped by her boyfriend, and frustrated by even the smallest inconveniences (like a missing banana muffin), Cassandra’s world is turned upside down. But then she discovers she has the ability to go back in time and change the past. As she attempts to “fix” her mistakes, she soon realises she might be focusing on the wrong things entirely.
A Charming Feel-Good Read
All Creatures Great and Small & All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot is a heart-warming memoir of a young veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales.
Through humorous encounters, tender moments, and dramatic emergencies, Herriot paints a vivid picture of rural England, its quirky residents, and the deep bond between humans and animals. Whether trudging through snowy fields for a late-night calving or sharing a laugh with eccentric farmers, Herriot’s tales are full of warmth, wit, and nostalgia.
Perfect for fans of Call the Midwife or The Darling Buds of May.
For the Green-Thumb Mum
For the mums who love gardening, The Gardener’s Almanac by Alan Titchmarsh is the perfect guide.
This month-by-month guide is packed with gardening wisdom, practical advice, and seasonal inspiration. From tips on what to plant and when, to reflections on nature, wildlife, and even poetry, this beautifully illustrated book is both a practical handbook and a celebration of the joys of gardening.
Find the Perfect Book By a British Author this Mother’s Day
For your mum, grandma, or motherly figure in your life, show your appreciation this Mother’s Day with the perfect gift.
From stories about everyday life to romances with unconditional love or an inspiring tale or two, give the readers in your life a gift they will treasure. Whether your mum is a book lover, a green-thumbed gardener, or someone who enjoys a touch of whimsy, you’ll find the perfect book for her.
Happy Mother’s Day and happy reading!