Eid Book Recommendations - Lie back and enjoy

Whether you’re going to be lounging on a sunbed in the Maldives, enjoying family fun at home, or mostly eating leftover Easter eggs in your pyjamas, the long Eid break calls for some much-needed downtime. And what better way to switch off from the world than diving into a good book.

Sarah Hewitt shares her top 5 Eid book recommendations for the week ahead:

• The Housemaid - Freida McFadden

Two years since its original release, everyone is still talking about this epic psychological thriller, and it really does live up to the hype. When Nina Winchester hires Millie Calloway as her new housekeeper, unaware of her criminal past, both women’s fates are changed forever. With twists and turns and heart-in-your-mouth moments, it’s a story that will keep you hooked until the very last page. If you enjoyed Verity by Colleen Hoover, you would love this, and Freida McFadden has followed up her success with two more books in The Housemaid series.

• Green Dot - Madeleine Gray

This Australian author’s debut novel has received rave reviews from some of the hottest names in the women’s literary world and it’s not hard to see why. The story centres around Hera, a 24-year-old who works at an online news outlet moderating the comments section and falls into an affair with a middle-aged colleague, Arthur. A witty, and heart-breaking search for meaning in a pointless relationship, we’ve all been in Hera’s shoes at one time or another.

• First Lie Wins - Ashley Elston

A New York times bestseller and Reese’s Book Club pick, this action-packed, cat-and-mouse story is about a con artist trying to conceal her true identity. Evie Porter is given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr Smith, and begins to pursue her mark, Ryan Sumner.  But something feels different this time. Ryan gets under her skin, and she starts to picture another kind of life for herself - one where her boss doesn't pull the strings. Fans of suspense thrillers will devour this is one sitting.

• Good Material - Dolly Alderton

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Everything I Know About Love, comes a story of heartbreak and friendship told from the perspective of Andy, a struggling comedian who has been dumped by his ex-girlfriend, Jen. Forensically analysing what went wrong and trying to navigate being a 35-year-old single man who feels like he should have it all figured out by now, this has all the charm of a rom-com but with a refreshingly honest and relatable backbone.

• Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Dr Julie Smith

If you’re more partial to self-development than escapism, dip into this bestselling book by Instagram queen and clinical psychologist, Dr Julie Smith. With powerful coping techniques, plus bite-sized tips and advice, this is an insight into a psychologist’s toolkit. Tackling everyday issues such as managing anxiety, dealing with criticism, battling with low mood, building self-confidence, finding motivation and learning to forgive yourself, this is just the tonic for the difficult moments.