I love Ann Patchett’s style of writing and have read most of her books. Her latest novel did not disappoint and was one of my favourite reads of 2025. It is an uplifting novel full of joy.

Set on a cherry farm in Michigan, at cherry picking time, Lara Nelson tells her grown-up daughters the story of her brief relationship, in her early twenties, with a famous actor who has recently died.

Crow Lake was recommended to me and when I discovered the main protagonist was a scientist, I knew I had to read it. It was an excellent choice. This was a very assured debut novel which led me to read all her subsequent books.

As a scientist I was delighted to read this novel about Dorothy Horstmann, a virologist who played a vital role in the development of the polio vaccine. Until now her research, like that of many women, has been in the shadows but Lynn Cullen shines a light on this fascinating woman.

A novel about love and friendship, art and Florence. It is a book I never wanted to end so when I finished it, I went back to the beginning and started again, the best sign of a good book. It was my favourite read of 2022.