June 2026
While I was thinking about writing this article it was pouring! Still warm enough to be fine, it reminded me how beautiful it is to be alive and live in a world with seasons. So, I thought a rain themed list was suitable!
I have only just read Sophie Elmhirst’s A Marriage at Sea. What an incredible story of shipwreck and love. For Maurice and Maralyn rain falling meant life! I learnt too much about turtles and lists in this memoir than I ever thought I wanted to know, but also about selflessness and grit. I loved it.
I adore Penelope Janu’s novels, they’re everything I love in a rural romance. I am so looking forward to her latest, but Sunshine Through the Rain is a favourite with, animals, scenery and love. Perfect reading for June.
We’ve just read Stone Yard Devotional for the OG Bookclub, so it was top of mind for me thinking about books with rain. Charlotte Wood is completely brilliant, and this was shortlisted for the 2024 Booker Prize. It is a masterpiece…but uncomfortable reading.
Lauren Keegan’s The Woman in the Seal Skin caught me unawares. I hadn’t had the chance to read her debut, All The Bees in the Hollow, and so didn’t know what to expect. This engrossing, atmospheric tale is set on the beautiful and wild island of Scotland. It is a real love letter to the sea and motherhood, all wrapped up in a story about seals and selkies.
I know I have recommended The Unquiet Grave by Dervla McTiernan before but when thinking about books with rain I couldn’t go past this one. They all seem to be walking through freezing downpours and constantly be walking around in wet socks! No wonder one of the main characters is thinking about migrating to Australia! It’s a gripping whodunit story that captivated me. I know it is the latest in a series, but don’t let that stop you, you can jump in with this novel.