We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Smart women recommend books to read now

Some of GH’s favourite celebrities, from Fern Britton to Emma Bridgewater, reveal what’s next on their reading lists.

By Joanne FinneyPublished: 27 August 2014

Finger, Yellow, Sleeve, Shoulder, Joint, Standing, Happy, Facial expression, Collar, Jaw,

Fern Britton chooses: Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

Novelist and TV presenter Fern Britton, author of A Seaside Affair:

‘Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore promises to be a cracking beach read, with suspense, romance and a gorgeous Summer setting. I love getting stuck into a big, blue-blooded American family drama and discovering all their dirty secrets. It’s already been compared to The Secret History by Donna Tartt, so I’m expecting to unearth a salacious scandal under the glossy veneer.’

If you like this, you’ll love:
14 books you must read this month
5 festival for book lovers
More book reviews

Martha Kearney chooses: The Legacy Of Elizabeth Pringle by Kirsty Wark

Sleeve, Shoulder, Collar, Joint, Iris, Jewellery, Neck, Electric blue, Blond, Chest,

Broadcaster Martha Kearney:

‘Summer is a great time for those longer books, so I am looking forward to tackling The Legacy Of Elizabeth Pringle by my former Newsnight colleague, Kirsty Wark. It’s told from the viewpoint of a woman who is in her 90s – rather rare in the world of fiction. And there’s a character called Martha, so of course I'm intrigued!’

Photo of Martha by Sarah Lee

If you like this, you’ll love:
Read your way around the world
What Shane and Timothy Spall did next
More book reviews

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Maria Semple chooses: Lost For Words by Edward St Aubyn

Lip, Cheek, Hairstyle, Chin, Forehead, Eyebrow, Mammal, Eyelash, Jaw, Iris,

Maria Semple, author of Where’d You Go, Bernadette and This One Is Mine:

‘The book I can’t wait to read is Lost For Words, the new novel by Edward St Aubyn, about a fictional judging panel for a literary prize. He writes the funniest dialogue.'

If you like this, you’ll love:
5 festival for book lovers
The scandal over Charlie And The Chocolate Factory
More book reviews

Emma Bridgewater chooses: Penelope Fitzgerald: A Life by Hermione Lee

Clothing, Lip, Mouth, Hairstyle, Chin, Eyebrow, Happy, Facial expression, Stole, Wrap,

Pottery designer Emma Bridgewater has recently published her memoir, Toast & Marmalade And Other Stories:

‘I’ve just re-read all of Penelope Fitzgerald’s fiction and had the most lovely time. I’m longing to fill in the details about her, so I can't wait to read Hermione Lee’s biography.’

If you like this, you’ll love:
14 books you must read this month
Read your way around the world
More book reviews

Watch Next