Straight to the top of my "Best Books of 2026."
An extraordinary book about a lonely and anxious middle aged woman. News that an asteroid is on a trajectory to hit London and the Home Counties in a few years' time doesn't alarm Cassie as much as it does millions of others because she was brought up by "Preppers." Her father was always prepared for disaster and stockpiled rations and supplies, as well as creating a shelter. Cassie has long had a website to advise others on how to do the same and she's now in regular touch with one of the visitors to her site. It turns out Cy is an expert on asteroids and becomes a key member of a government taskforce. The years pass with Cassie and Cy becoming close virtual friends, and the asteroid is confirmed to be lined up for a direct hit. With the rest of Europe having turned its back on the UK, and the government struggling to come up with a workable plan to relocate millions of people to the north, Cassie has decisions to make about her future. An immensely moving novel that seems worryingly prescient in our troubled times.

This is the third book I’ve read by Carole, they’ve all been wildly different and captivating. This was an easy 5 star for me.

A speculative book that at its heart looks at human connection and finding acceptance. I actually cried twice on my sun lounger, I never cry at books but this one really touched me.

Kit has had an unconventional upbringing living with parents who were preppers/ anti vaxers. Weekends were spend packing and repacking go backs and checking on Haven, their go to place in the event of a catastrophe. The story flits between a gown Kit and the one from her childhood. The grown Kit, still stuck in the past when It’s discovered an asteroid will hit earth and all her preparations have seemingly all been worthless.

This book had the most perfect ending. I can’t wait to read what Carole has planned next!

The book is split into two timelines. In the present it's 4 years from the point of an asteroid being discovered that could have dire consequences while the past explores Cassie’s childhood and difficult life until the two eventually collide towards the end. It's a very entertaining read and points to the many problems in society today without ever being preachy about them. I enjoyed it immensely.