Doubleday’s 2026 Hits
We’ve been to a fair few publisher events over the years, but friends, this one might just take the crown for Best Publishing Event Ever. Doubleday’s Spring Showcase at The Old Session House, Clerkenwell was nothing short of spectacular — a seriously fancy venue, stunning interiors, and a vibe that had us swooning before we even reached the books. But here’s the real kicker: they weren’t just serving wine… they were serving espresso martinis!! My dream come true: books, bookish friends, and caffeinated cocktails in perfect harmony.
From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear that this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill showcase. Every book on display had us swooning, laughing, or reaching for a tissue, and the team at Doubleday made it all feel effortlessly glamorous. We could go on about the venue, the drinks, or the general sparkle in the air, but honestly, the real stars were the books themselves.
Here are some of the titles that had us buzzing with excitement — from laugh-out-loud family chaos to sweeping historical fiction, and from chilling thrillers to stunning explorations of human resilience:
Wreck by Catherine Newman – a funny, irreverent, and deeply emotional rollercoaster of a family navigating life’s unpredictable messiness.
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash – chaos, conspiracy, and family drama collide in this darkly hilarious portrait of intimate reality.
A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman – a poignant tale of love, loss, and resilience set against the vast, unforgiving landscape of Western Australia.
Becoming George by Fiona Sampson – the life and legend of George Sand, a fearless iconoclast centuries ahead of her time.
To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage – an astounding coming-of-age saga of mothers, daughters, love, and the lengths we go to carve out space for ourselves.
Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino – a darkly funny, unputdownable domestic thriller about how far you’ll go to get the perfect home.
No Fair Maidens by Kim Willis – uncovering ancient myths and feminine power, this is a magical exploration of grief, freedom, and sisterhood.
Up by Dr Lucy Rogers – a joyous, awe-inspiring journey through the skies, exploring flight, weather, and the wonder above us all.
Each of these reads has a story, a spark, and a pull you won’t forget, click the ‘Find Out More’ button to get all the details and, if you’re going to our Christmas Party you might even get your mitts on an early copy from our legendary Proof Party Table!
Wreck
by Catherine Newman
Meet Rocky, Nick, Willa and Jamie — a family as chaotic, hilarious, and heartbreakingly real as life itself. Wreck takes you on a rollercoaster of one unpredictable year in their lives, full of laughter, love, and those little disasters we all secretly obsess over. Trust us, you’ll be rooting for them (and laughing through your tears) from page one.
Lost Lambs
by Madeline Cash
The Flynns are in absolute chaos! Marriage experiments, teenage rebellions, and a nefarious billionaire lurking in the background. Madeline Cash delivers humour, heart, and a criminal conspiracy that might just pull this fractured family closer together. Buckle up: it’s messy, funny, and impossible to put down.
A Far-Flung Life
by M. L. Stedman
Step into the vast, sunburnt expanse of 1950s Western Australia, where one moment can change everything. A Far-Flung Life is an elegant meditation on love, loss, and the choices that shape us, with Stedman’s signature wit and heart-wrenching humanity shining through. Prepare to be transported and moved.
Becoming George
by Fiona Sampson
George Sand: cross-dressing, cigar-smoking, scandalising Paris and writing novels that outsold Victor Hugo. Fiona Sampson brings this remarkable 19th-century icon to vivid life, revealing the courage, intellect, and audacity behind her legend. Feminist inspiration and literary brilliance all in one.
To the Moon and Back
by Eliana Ramage
Ambition, family, and love stretch across continents in this unforgettable tale of mothers and daughters. Steph Harper’s journey is as vast as the sky she dreams of reaching, and Ramage’s storytelling makes it impossible not to root for her every step of the way. Space, love, and sacrifice collide beautifully here.
Best Offer Wins
by Marisa Kashino
House-hunting has never been this darkly hilarious or murderous. Marisa Kashino’s domestic thriller is full of twists, obsession, and the lengths we’ll go to claim the perfect home. Warning: you’ll be hooked from the first page and questioning every ‘perfect’ listing you see thereafter.
Supporting women’s rights and wrongs!
No Fair Maidens
by Kim Willis
Ancient myths, hidden power, and a journey into forgotten feminine magic collide in No Fair Maidens. Kim Willis unearths tales of warrioresses, enchantresses, and goddesses, showing that women have always been forces of nature and giving us all a roadmap for reclaiming strength and freedom.
Up
by Dr Lucy Rogers
Look up. Literally. Dr Lucy Rogers takes us on a thrilling exploration of the skies, from storms to auroras, birds to bats, and the pure joy of wonder itself. Up is a book for dreamers, scientists, and anyone who’s ever paused to marvel at the world above.
All in all, Doubleday’s Spring Showcase was an absolute dream — stunning books, dazzling venue, and yes, espresso martinis flowing freely (we may never go back to plain wine again). It was one of those days that reminded us exactly why we love publisher events: connecting with brilliant authors, discovering stories that make our hearts soar, and sharing it all with our fellow book-lovers. Keep an eye on the blog because you KNOW we’ll be diving deeper into each of these incredible titles soon, and trust us, you won’t want to miss a single page-turner. See you at the next one!
