Novel Kicks Book Club: The Alchemist’s Secret By Clare Marchant

Published June 4, 2026 | By Laura

Hello everyone. Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Book Club.

I can’t believe I am saying this, but June is here and we are almost halfway through 2026. With the weather not being able to make up its mind here in the UK, I am hoping the book club title this month will be one you’ll enjoy. It’s an historical fiction novel by an author I love.

The Alchemist’s Secret by Clare Marchant.

So, how does our book club work?

Whether you’ve already read the book or will be starting it this month, all are welcome. The added bonus of our book club is that you don’t have to leave the comfort of your sofa/garden/terrace/bed to take part. I’ve added a question below to start the discussion.

I’ll see you in the comments.

About The Alchemist’s Secret –

Now: When Paige returns to her ancestral family home, Woodham Hall, she’s nursing an unbearable heartbreak. The man she’d thought she loved has told her the most terrible lie, one she feels she’ll never recover from. The only thing that seems to be able to hold her interest is the story of a poisoning that once supposedly happened in the house – depicted in brutal detail in a painting by an unknown artist…

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Novel Kicks Book Club: LochBound By Rebecca Templeton

Published May 1, 2026 | By Laura

Hello everyone. Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Book Club.

May is now here and with it, sunny days and balmy evenings (I hope). Whether it’s outside or curled up in an armchair with the rain thumping on the window sill, it’s a perfect excuse to settle down with our book club pick.

This month’s book is LochBound by Rebecca Templeton.

I plan to do a separate review of this novel. I don’t know about you but, by the cover and blurb alone, it sounds magical and atmospheric. It combines the Scottish Highlands and The Little Mermaid. I am so looking forward to discussing this book with you.

Whether you’ve already read it or will be starting it this month, anyone is welcome. I’ve added a question below to start the discussion.

I’ll see you in the comments.

About Loch Bound:

There is no happily-ever-after . . .

Kilmara, Scotland. 1725. For fifty years, Iris has accepted the curse that blighted her life. By night, she is a heartbroken woman, destined to walk the misty shores of Kilmara without growing older. By day, she is Moireach, a terrifying monster imprisoned in the murky depths of Loch Moine.

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Christmas Gift Guide For Book Lovers 2025

Published December 17, 2025 | By Laura

I love getting literary themed presents for Christmas.

There’s nothing like the feeling of getting to Christmas day evening where dinner is done, presents have been given and I can rest in the quiet of the night with a book or a book themed item that I’ve luckily been gifted.

If, like my family, you have a bibliophile in your life and are struggling on what to get them, here are five of my recommendations. The best part, they are all under £20 (I am not getting paid to promote these, I just love them).

A Literary Cat For Every Day Of The Year by Tara Richardson. (RRP 14.99)

This is my kind of present.. Cats and books. I don’t think it gets better. This book by Tara Richardson brings together quotes and passages from some of the best cats in literature. It includes generalised quotes about cats to more famous sayings from T.S Elliot to the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland.

I am a proper cat lady, and I am not ashamed to say that I may purchase this for myself if I don’t get it for Christmas. I have been dropping hints to Mr. Novel Kicks. Haha.

There is an entry for every day of the year so it’s the gift that keeps on giving all the way through 2026.

It can be purchased at Waterstones.

50 Must-Read Books Of The World Bucket List 1000-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. (£18.00)

OK, I know this isn’t technically a book but it’s a puzzle with books on it so I feel it counts…right? I know I would love this. I have gained an appreciation for jigsaw puzzles as I’ve grown older.

This puzzle is made up of 1000 pieces and would be a perfect way to spend a couple of hours in that strange time between Christmas and New Year. Does anyone keep up with the days during that weird passage of time? This puzzle will also potentially give the reader in your life a chance to discover new book titles to add to the TBR pile.

The website also suggests that, once you’re done putting it together, you could frame it which I think is a lovely idea.

This item can be purchased at The Literary Gift Company.

Beyond & Within – Then There Were More Crime Anthology – edited by Martin Edwards. (£16.99)

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Novel Kicks Book Club: In A Thousand Different Ways by Cecelia Ahern

Published August 6, 2024 | By Laura

August is here. Whoop Whoop.

Even though the weather can’t quite make up its mind, it’s still the month of Summer and holidays and lovely afternoons reading.

This month, I’ve picked a book from one of my favourite authors.

This month’s book pick is In A Thousand Different Ways by Cecilia Ahern.

There’s a bit about the book below. As usual, anyone can take part in our book club, whether you’ve already read this or will be reading along with me. The best part… you can do this from the comfort of your own armchair, the beach, garden, balcony.

I have put a question in the comments below to kick off the discussion. See you in the comments.

About In A Thousand Different Ways:

She knows your secrets. Now discover hers…

You’ve never met anyone like Alice. She sees the best in people. And the worst. She always seems to know exactly what everyone around her is feeling: a thousand different emotions. Every. Single. Day.

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