The 15 Best Female-Authored Books of 2019

Penned by Sara Collins, The Confessions of Frannie Langton, is a riot of a book that delves into race and colonialism. Set in the 1820s, the tale follows a former Caribbean slave, Frannie, who is accused of killing her employer and his wife. Narrated in her voice from the depths of a London prison, this captivating story unfolds.

Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the Shopaholic series, is back once again. I Owe You One follows two strangers, Fixie and Seb, who have a chance meeting in a coffee shop. After that fateful moment, the pair start a pact and begin doing numerous favours for each other. It's definitely worth a read.

The co-winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, The Testaments is the much-awaited sequel to The Handmaid's Tale. Picking up 15 years after the last book concluded, Margaret Atwood takes us deeper into the realms of Gilead. The story is told by three narrators, one of whom is the ominous Aunt Lydia, and builds on the dystopian classic we know and fear.

Sharing the Booker Prize title, Girl, Woman, Other tells the tale of 12 different characters, some of whose lives interlink. Each chapter follows one character's story, but the narratives overlap to create a stunning tapestry of human existence. Highlights include the tragically unhappy bride, Winsome, and Amma, a socialist playwright.

A contemporary haunted house tale that will chill your bones, The Turn of the Key is the latest thriller from the mind of the talented Ruth Ware. When Rowan sees an advert for her dream job as a live-in nanny, she can't wait to take it: little does she know that the ordeal will turn out to be a nightmare.

The New York Times best-seller, A Woman Is No Man is the debut novel from acclaimed literature professor Etaf Rum. The action of the book works with a dual narrative; one taking place in Palestine and one taking place in America. It covers women's rights, tradition, and how time can change our perception.

Author Susan Conley delves into the question of identity in this insightful and intriguing novel. Elsey Come Home follows the title character, an expat living in Beijing and finding it hard to cope with her numerous roles: mother, wife, painter, and more. After signing up to a retreat, Elsey meets a group of strangers who change everything.

Fresh from the mind of Jojo Moyes, The Giver of Stars focusses on Alice, a woman who is bored and tired of her everyday life. So, when a handsome stranger sweeps her off her feet, she can barely contain her relief. Her newfound love isn't all that it seems, but it does take her across the pond and to a whole new life.

The New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover is back once again. Regretting You follows the lives of Morgan and her teenage daughter Clara, a pair who seemingly have nothing in common. Morgan is a straight-laced woman who married too young while Clara has an undeniable zest for life. The two attempt to live side-by-side in this addictive family drama.

Christina McDonald's debut novel, The Night Olivia Fell, is a thrilling page-turner you have to read. When Abi is awoken in the middle of the night to the news that her beloved daughter, Olivia, has been in an accident, she's devastated. However, when she looks deeper into the case, she starts to uncover the truth about that fateful night.

Caroline Kaufman's collection of short poems is a must for any coffee table. When the World Didn't End centres on themes of love, forgiveness, depression, and self-identity. Each of the poems takes on a fresh subject with light and a sense of honesty that's hard to beat. You might just struggle to put this book down.

Twice in a Blue Moon is a tale of missed connections and forgotten loves. Penned by Christina Lauren, the alternative love story follows Tate and Sam, a duo that was never meant to be. After a whirlwind romance, Sam breaks Tate's trust and the two part on bitter terms. Years later, though, their paths (and hearts) cross again.

It's Hansel and Gretel . . . but not as you know it. Gingerbread is a retelling of the classic story following a mother-daughter duo who sell the sweet treat in London. Doused with magical realism, the narrative features a non-existent land, Druhástrana, endless secrets, and a whole lot of mystery.

Taking a darkly comic look at modern life, Queenie follows the story of the title character as she tries desperately to navigate her own life. While on a break from her long-term partner, Tom, and at odds with her family, the young woman is floundering. You don't want to miss this hotly-awaited debut novel from Candice Carty-Williams.

Against the backdrop of 1940s summertime in New York, City of Girls is a roaring look at the life of teenage Vivian. On being exiled by her parents, she arrives in the city with a suitcase and sewing machine, ready to start her youthful adventure. Along the way, she meets showgirls, actors, and a writer who breaks hearts on the side.