We don’t know about you but 2023 was a HECTIC year, to say the least. We hope you have had (or are still having) a relaxing summer vacay of some kind!
Whether you explored a new city or just chilled at home, we’re sure you turned your eyes and mind to a good book.
At Flo & Frankie, summer looks a little something like spending ample time lounging on sandy beaches, eating fresh fruit and relishing uninterrupted hours of reading in the sun.
But what if you don’t have a good book? Well, we can help you with that!
We’ve handpicked six books to take a look at from each of our book categories.
Think mouth-watering cookbooks (hello foodies!), soul-soothing wellness books, biographies, gorgeous coffee-table eye candy, adorable children’s tales and super cute fashion books.
Maybe you’re in the mood for some culinary adventures, need a little life inspo, or just want to dream about travelling the world, we’ve got you covered. Grab a snack, settle into the comfiest spot in the house, read and relax!
1. Cookbooks
OUR TOP PICK: “Kai” by Christall Lowe
The gathering of food and people to share a meal is at the heart of Māori family life. Kai is a passionate homage to a life deeply rooted in food, where exquisite flavours weave seamlessly with cherished food memories.
Award-winning food photographer Christall Lowe invites you to join her family table and experience for yourself an abundance of mouth-watering dishes, a veritable feast for the eyes and stomach. With over 100 recipes.
2. Wellness Books & Biographies
OUR TOP PICK: “Beautiful Thoughts” by Miriam Hathaway (Author), Emily Carlson (Illustrator).
Everyday Reflections on a Good Life Written by Miriam Hathaway Designed by Emily Carlson. What does it mean to have a beautiful thought? It's when you consciously pause to notice the small details of life and fully experience the goodness of today.
This book is here for you to discover new ways to create your own beautiful thoughts. Offering a mix of reflective quotes and vignettes, it's filled with ways to embrace mindfulness and find the moments worth celebrating. Because one thought can change your mindset, which can change how you act, which can change your life.
Meditative vignettes and touching quotes from Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and others inspire self-care and reflection. A thoughtful gift for a birthday, a life transition, or the New Year Features foil stamping on a hardcover and beautiful inserts throughout.
3. Coffee Table Reads
OUR TOP PICK: “The Little Book of Chanel” by Emma Baxter-Wright.
This monograph on Coco Chanel chronicles the life and legacy of one of history's most influential couturiers. From her early days of millinery, through her revolutionary inventions in sportswear and jersey fashions for women, the classics that have made her name, such as the Chanel cardigan jacket and the little black dress, to the global empire of the brand under the helm of Karl Lagerfeld, this beautifully illustrated book offers a fascinating account of Chanel's evolution and innovation.
Detailed photographs and sketches of her designs, along with fashion photography and catwalk shots, pay tribute to one of the world's most highly regarded fashion houses and the woman behind it.
4. Children's Books
OUR TOP PICK: “In My Heart: A Book Of Feelings” by Jo Witek.
“Sometimes my heart feels like a big yellow star, shiny and bright. I smile from ear to ear and twirl around so fast, I feel as if I could take off into the sky. This is when my heart is happy.”
Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside.
With language that is lyrical but also direct, toddlers will be empowered by this new vocabulary and able to practise articulating and identifying their own emotions. With whimsical illustrations and an irresistible die-cut heart that extends through each spread, this unique feelings book is gorgeously packaged.
The Growing Hearts series celebrates the milestones of a toddler's emotional development, from conquering fears and expressing feelings to welcoming a new sibling.
5. Fashion & Interior Books
OUR TOP PICK: “Little Book Of Dior” by Karen Homer.
Christian Dior's spectacular rise to the upper echelons of the Parisian haute couture scene is one of the most compelling stories of twentieth-century fashion.
An art gallerist with a contemporary vision, Dior's debut haute couture collection invented the 'new look' silhouette and revolutionised the way women dressed, shopped and saw themselves. The House of Dior's unique look blended the traditional, artisanal skills of the French fashion house - tailoring and intricate embellishment - with a modern sensibility.
6. Travel Books
OUR TOP PICK: “New Zealand Gourmet Traveller” by Gourmet Traveller (Author).
From the rugged black sand beaches of the west coast to the glistening snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps, join us as we journey across Aotearoa New Zealand, exploring the country's wild and pristine landscapes and discover the luxury properties set amongst them.
Along the way, we will share a taste of each unique destination with recipes from 21 of the country's most exclusive lodges and resorts.
For a look at all of our best books on offer, head to Flo’s Bookshelf.
