Holiday booked, outfits planned… now on to picking your beach read! We’ve partnered with Penguin Books to get you covered in this department. So, how about Fearne Cotton’s Scripted for your next getaway? Here’s what you can expect…

Jade has lost control of her life. Pushed around by her family and boyfriend, who's more interested in his clothing brand than their relationship, she knows that somewhere along the way she’s lost herself. Starting over at 32 seems daunting, so she continues to live the way she always has. Until the answers come to her in the form of a script.

Containing her name and spelling out another huge argument with her boyfriend, in which Jade fails to stand up for herself yet again, this piece of paper contains a conversation that hasn't happened yet. Until it does…

When more scripts appear, Jade realises she has to find her voice again. But who is writing them? How do they know her? And what will Jade have to do to rewrite the script?

About the author

Fearne Cotton is a Sunday Times bestselling author, although to many she is better known as a popular British radio and TV presenter. Fearne’s writing career is closely related to her wellbeing brand, Happy Place which was founded following the success of her first bestseller, Happy. This was the first of a series of personal development titles that explore happiness, depression, anxiety and healthy eating. Now, she’s leaping into the world of fiction.

Q&A with the author

Where do you go to recharge your batteries?

I love Dorset and being by the sea but if I could go anywhere in the world, it would be Ibiza. It might not sound like an island where you go to recharge but the north of the island is so relaxing and utterly stunning. It's my happy place.

What role do you believe books play in encouraging people to explore new places?

A huge role. Books are a porthole to other universes and act as utter escapism. I'm not sure what I would do without them. At the moment, I'm reading Matt Haig's new book which is set in Ibiza, so each night in bed I happily teleport myself there. I used to love Bill Bryson's travel books as you felt like you were on the road with him. For me, books are the ultimate way to travel without leaving your home.

What are your top 3 holiday essentials?

A great book, Hunza G bikini and SPF.

Do you think your own travels have changed you as an author and a person?

Yes, I think travel shapes so much of your life experience. I also feel free of everyday rules when I'm away. All the usual stuff I worry about like what time I'm going to bed, or what time I eat go out of the window. I'm much more carefree but also a lot more present. When we are in our familiar surroundings, we shut off a lot of our senses as we are used to what is around the corner. When we are in a new place we are on high alert in the best possible way. Every smell, sound and sight is unfamiliar, so it brings us into the present moment and allows us to take it all in.

Reviews

‘Just like Fearne Cotton herself, Scripted is life-affirming and deeply compassionate. But it’s also a cleverly conceived and funny novel which asks big questions about what it is to be the author of one’s own fate’ – Elizabeth Day

‘So smart, thoughtful and hope-filled. I loved it!’ – Daisy Buchanan

‘An impressive and thoroughly entertaining debut. Such as satisfying read, I really enjoyed it and would love to see what Jade (and Fearne) do next.’ – Freya North

‘A gorgeous read about the power of saying no. I devoured it in one sitting!’ – Pooma Bell

Our thoughts...

“You know it’s going to be a good read when the author has you feeling everything the main character is going through. And that’s exactly what Scripted is like – a mixture of relatable emotions planted in a page-turning story. Although playfully humorous at times, Fearne dives deeper than one would expect, while exploring the dynamic of a people-pleaser desperately trying to regain the power over her own life.. In three words? Inspirational, clever and funny.” – Elzbieta Voveryte, Content Assistant.

Have we left you yearning for your next summer read? Check out another of our page-turning Penguin posts here...

WIN with Penguin Books!

Ready to kick back on a lounger and get lost in a good book like this?

As part of our amazing partnership with Penguin Books, we'll also be offering one lucky bookworm the chance to win a family Jet2holiday to a choice of six destinations, plus a Penguin Book bundle worth £200! So you could be jetting off to Crete, Spain, Turkey, Portugal, Fuerteventura or Malta, with all your new holiday reads in the bag too. Find out how to enter here.

Check out the free extract, then bag yourself a copy on Penguin Books’ website!