Easter events and bestsellers boost Waterstone’s Ballymena book buzz

Waterstone’s Ballymena is gearing up for a busy Easter period, combining a fresh Top 10 bestselling list with family-friendly events, new releases and a packed programme designed to bring readers of all ages through its doors.

From global bestsellers to children’s favourites and a major upcoming author visit, the latest update highlights the store’s growing role as a cultural hub in the local community.

This week’s Top 10 bestselling books

A diverse mix of genres dominates this week’s chart, with thrillers, literary fiction, sci-fi and children’s titles all featuring strongly.

1. Betrayal — Tom Bower

   
   

   A hard-hitting investigative account offering sharp insight into power, influence and controversy.

2. Project Hail Mary — Andy Weir

   
   

   A gripping, high-stakes sci-fi adventure following a lone astronaut on a mission to save humanity.

   
   

3. Knight of the Seven Kingdoms — George R. Martin

   
   

   A richly detailed return to the world of Westeros, packed with intrigue, chivalry and political tension.

   
   

4. City Girls Forever — Patricia Scanlan

   
   

   A heartfelt and engaging novel celebrating friendship, resilience and life’s turning points.

   
   

5. Hamnet — Maggie O’Farrell

   
   

   The award-winning literary novel reimagining the life and loss behind Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy.

6. A Schooling in Murder — Andrew Taylor

   
   

   A compelling historical mystery blending suspense, intellect and richly drawn characters.

7. The Summer Hikaru Died — Mokumokuren

   
   

   A haunting and atmospheric manga exploring friendship, identity and unsettling change.

8. The Housemaid — Freida McFadden

   
   

   A twist-filled psychological thriller that continues to captivate readers with its dark secrets.

   
   

9. The Upside Down Lighthouse — Paddy Donnelly

   
   

   A beautifully illustrated children’s story filled with imagination and heart.

   
   

10. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess — Jeff Kinney

    
    

    Another laugh-out-loud instalment in the hugely popular series loved by younger readers.

Easter storytime and family activities

Waterstone’s Ballymena is placing a strong focus on family engagement this Easter, with special storytime sessions and activities planned across the holiday weekend.

Children’s Easter storytime will take place on Friday April 4th, Saturday April 4th and Monday April 6th at 12pm, featuring Peter Rabbit: The Easter Bunny Hunt by Beatrix Potter.

An Easter egg hunt will also run alongside the readings, creating a fun, interactive experience for younger visitors.

The store has also highlighted a range of seasonal children’s titles to keep families entertained during the school holidays, including:

• The Dinosaur That Pooped Easter!

• That’s Not My… Easter Egg

• We’re Going on an Egg Hunt

• Where’s Bluey at Easter

• The Easter Story

• Happy Easter From the Crayons

Half-Price Offer and Book Club

This week’s half-price highlight is It’s Not What You Think by Clare Mackintosh.

“A woman convinced of her partner’s infidelity discovers that the situation is even more murky when he turns up dead in this twist-laden thriller from the bestselling author of Other People’s Houses.”

Readers can also join the next Fiction Book Club on Thursday 7th April at 7pm, where A Schooling in Murder by Andrew Taylor will be discussed.

The group is informal, welcoming new members of all ages.

Author event: Jan Carson returns

A major highlight in the coming weeks is the return of local author Jan Carson, who will visit the store on Thursday 16th April at 7pm.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear readings from her new novel Few and Far Between, take part in a discussion and meet the author in person.

Recently the published titles

Several notable new releases have also arrived in store:

• Minor Black Figures — Brandon Taylor

A bravura novel of love, art and connection, charting a complex romance in modern New York.

• The News From Dublin — Colm Tóibín

A breathtaking short story collection exploring lives lived far from home, from Barcelona to the Spanish Civil War.

• A Far-Flung Life — M.L. Stedman

Set in the Australian Outback of 1958, this deeply moving novel paints a portrait of a community shaped by a life-changing moment.

Closing

With a blend of bestselling titles, family-friendly events and a high-profile author visit on the horizon, Waterstone’s Ballymena is set for a lively Easter season.

Whether browsing for a new favourite or bringing the family along for storytime, there’s plenty happening in-store to keep readers engaged in the weeks ahead.