For any lovers of family-centric novels, like The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, comes Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson – the phenomenal new debut novel that is as propulsive as it is touching and moving.

When their mother Eleanor dies, estranged siblings Byron and Benny reunite for her funeral in California. Once there, they are given a strange inheritance – an eight hour voice recording in which Eleanor narrates her extraordinary family history, alongside a traditional Caribbean black cake. Across the length of the voice recording, Eleanor narrates a tumultuous story about a headstrong young woman who escapes her island home under suspicion of murder – finding a life in England eventually. The story is full of revelations for the siblings, making them question their relationship with their mother and their own heritage.

Black Cake is an extraordinary story, showcasing a lyrical and thoughtful writer, who characterises her protagonists with amazing sensitivity, dealing with broad issues from race to motherhood, the environment and family ties. It is without a doubt one of the most extraordinary novels of the year, positioning Wilkerson as an exciting new voice in the cultural zeitgeist.

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[tps_title]1. Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson[/tps_title]

For mothers who love a good literary fiction novel, filled with suspense and family history. The novel centres around Byron and Benny who are reunited at their estranged mother’s funeral. When she leaves them a lengthy voice recording, it becomes clear that the history of their family is built upon a wealth of secrets.

In the novel both Byron and Benny grapple to establish an understanding of the woman they knew.

For mothers in need of a good book to curl up to, this is the one – we haven’t yet heard of anyone who hated this.

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[tps_title] Rebecca Serle, One Italian Summer [/tps_title]

Beloved romance author Rebecca Serle returns with her new novel One Italian Summer – a heartbreaking new novel exploring the relationship between a mother and daughter. When her mother Carol dies, Katy takes their planned trip to Positano on the Amalfi Coast. There, she feels her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and – of course – delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life.  And then Carol appears, healthy and sun-tanned… and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how – all she can focus on is that somehow, impossibly, she has her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman who came before.

Pre-order a copy here.

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