Life can be a whirlwind of work, socialising, parenting and household tasks, often leaving little room for personal time. And when you do manage to carve out some free moments, picking up a book might not be your first choice.
However, there’s a wealth of reasons to choose a good read over scrolling through your phone. Whether it’s immersing yourself in a captivating story or expanding your knowledge on a subject that fascinates you, reading offers a chance to relax, de-stress, and hopefully be entertained or enlightened.
I’ve been an avid reader forever, but I only truly committed to reading every single day at the start of 2024. Since then, I’ve consumed a vast array of books, from science fiction and romance to non-fiction and thrillers. You can read some more of my recent recommendations here.
I make sure to keep up with the latest releases, but also venture beyond my usual preferences to explore unfamiliar authors and genres. This approach has led me to discover some real underrated treasures that, in my view, deserve more recognition.
So, without further ado, here are five standout books I’ve enjoyed over the past few years that I believe warrant more buzz, as originally reported in the Express. For additional book recommendations, reviews and news, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.
1. So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne
So Thrilled For You revolves around Nicki, Charlotte, Steffi and Lauren, a group of four university friends in their thirties whose lives have pulled them in all different directions. As they reunite for Nicki’s baby shower, tensions rise and disaster strikes after someone starts a fire at the house.
This is a tale about motherhood, friendship and the unspoken truths we keep from those closest to us. The characters in this book still linger in my thoughts; they’re all so distinct, yet I found myself relating to each one as the story unfolded.
I’d recommend this book to anyone, but especially to mothers or expectant mums. It’s astonishing that it’s only received 7,000 ratings on Goodreads so far!
You can purchase So Thrilled For You here.
2. A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering by Andrew Hunter Murray
This book follows Al, an “interloper” who lives in wealthy people’s homes while the real owners are away, without them ever knowing he was there in the first place. He’s getting by just fine until one day he breaks into the wrong house on the wrong day and sets in motion a pretty dramatic chain of events.
I’m not typically drawn to thrillers and mystery novels, but when the publisher sent me an advance copy of this book before its UK paperback release, I was intrigued by the premise. To my surprise (and pleasure), I was hooked within just a few chapters.
It’s slightly lengthy for this genre, but don’t be put off by the page count, as it’s filled with hilarious moments and I was eager to find out how it concluded.
You can purchase A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering here.
3. Goodlord: An Email by Ella Frears
Goodlord: An Email was my first read of 2025, and what a way to start the year it was! Taking the form of one long, very poetic email addressed to an estate agent, this is a fictional memoir of habitation focused on the places we call home. We follow the writer of the email, an artist in her thirties, as she takes us through her life, from her teenage years to the present day, via a succession of short-term stays and shared accommodation.
At times darkly humorous and at others utterly grim, this book offers a sharp critique of the housing crisis. Its style makes it a breeze to read in one go, and I simply couldn’t put it down.
With only 504 ratings on Goodreads at the time of writing, it’s a true hidden treasure and definitely worth adding to your reading list.
You can purchase Goodlord: An Email here.
4. Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
Romantasy novels are a big deal at the moment, and it feels like everywhere you turn, there is a new series or standalone book popping up.
If you’re a fan of romantasy, there’s an under-the-radar book that I believe is worth your time. As an avid fantasy reader, I found Faebound, penned by Saara El-Arifi, to be a breath of fresh air in the genre.
The story revolves around two sisters – Yeeran, an elven army warrior, and Lettle, a diviner, who are thrust into the fae realm where their loyalty to each other, their kin, and their hearts are put to the test.
The world-building is top-notch (and doesn’t feel like a slog), the supporting characters are unforgettable, and the romantic tension between the leads surpasses many other popular books I’ve read. Plus, it boasts some unexpected plot twists, which are a rarity in this genre.
Despite being a Goodreads award winner, this gem is criminally underrated with just 24,400 ratings on Goodreads, far fewer than some of the big hitters in romantasy.
Faebound can be purchased here.
5. Four Seasons in Japan by Nick Bradley
Four Seasons in Japan follows Flo, a translator suffering from a crisis in confidence, who finds a mysterious book on the Tokyo subway and feels compelled to translate it. The novel in question revolves around Ayako, a strict woman who runs a coffee shop and has just taken guardianship of her grandson, aspiring artist Kyo. Flo follows these characters across a year in rural Japan, changing the course of her own life in the process.
This is a beautifully gentle, introspective tale brimming with flawed yet endearing characters you’ll find yourself rooting for. I initially picked this up due to its cover (yes, I’m one of those people), but was taken aback by how engrossed it made me feel; the author’s years living in Japan clearly shine through.
With just over 6,800 ratings on Goodreads since its publication two years ago, this is another hidden gem I would strongly recommend giving a go.
Four Seasons in Japan can be bought here.