Mary Berry leads Waterstone’s Ballymena Top 10 as festive bestsellers dominate

Waterstone’s Ballymena has released its latest Top 10 bestselling books, with festive favourites, cookery titles and family-friendly reads proving especially popular as Christmas approaches.

From Mary Berry’s celebratory new release to children’s classics and record-breaking annuals, the list reflects a wide range of tastes among local shoppers seeking thoughtful Christmas gifts.

This Week’s Top 10 Bestselling Books – With Descriptions

1. Mary 90 — Mary Berry

A celebratory collection marking Mary Berry’s milestone year, blending reflections, memories and recipes from one of Britain’s most loved cooks.

2. Always Remember — Charlie Mackesy

A tender, beautifully illustrated follow-up to The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, offering comfort, hope and gentle wisdom.

3. Diddly Squat: The Farmer’s Dog — Jeremy Clarkson

More humorous countryside chaos from Diddly Squat Farm, as Clarkson shares new stories from his life as an unlikely farmer.

4. The Benefactors — Wendy Erskine

A sharply observed and often darkly funny portrait of modern Northern Ireland, exploring class, money and parenthood.

5. The Artist — Lucy Steeds

A richly atmospheric 1920s-set novel centred on an enigmatic painter, a curious journalist and a niece guarding a secret.

6. Oor Wullie & The Broons Gift Book

A much-loved annual packed with classic Scottish comic strips, humour and nostalgia — a Christmas staple for many families.

7. The Only Way I Know — Andy Farrell

An honest and inspiring memoir from the Ireland rugby head coach, reflecting on leadership, resilience and life at the highest level of sport.

8. Guinness World Records 2026

The latest edition of the iconic annual, filled with astonishing feats, colourful photography and record-breaking achievements.

9. Every Christmas Eve — Emma Heatherington

A heart-warming festive story celebrating love, second chances and the magic of Christmas traditions.

10. The Christmas Tree That Loved To Dance — Miranda Hart

A joyful and uplifting children’s story from Miranda Hart, celebrating individuality, kindness and festive spirit.

Perfect Gifts for Children

Waterstone’s Ballymena has also highlighted a selection of children’s titles ideal for Christmas gifting, ranging from picture books to collector’s editions and creative activities.

• The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods — Mikey Please

Rene and her waiter Glumfoot’s dreams of running their own cafe hit the rocks when their clientele start requesting the most disgusting meals in this darkly hilarious picture book.

• Fia and the Last Snow Deer — Eilish Fisher & Dermot Flynn

A bewitching verse novel set in prehistoric Ireland, Fia and the Last Snow Deer sends the eponymous girl and her cousin on a quest to save their reindeer from being sacrificed and to discover the mythical Deer Mother.

• Cozy Christmas — Coco Wyo

With big, beautiful designs full of festive cheer, this gorgeous Christmas colouring book with 45 hand-drawn pages makes a perfect present for colouring enthusiasts of all ages.

• Little Women — Louisa May Alcott (Puffin Clothbound Classics)

A compelling family drama set in the shadow of the American Civil War, Little Women is a triumph of characterisation and deft storytelling, now available in a gorgeous Puffin Clothbound Classics gift edition.

• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire — Interactive Illustrated Edition — J.K. Rowling & Karl James Mountford

Immerse yourself in the epic fourth Harry Potter novel as never before with this sumptuously illustrated collector’s edition boasting numerous interactive elements.

• The Roots We Share — Susie Dent

Carefully selecting one hundred words that have connotations of harmony and kindness, lexicographical legend Susie Dent beautifully demonstrates that there is much more that unites us than divides us in this uplifting book.

Late Night Christmas Shopping

Waterstone’s Ballymena is open every weeknight until 9pm up until 23rd December, with booksellers on hand to offer expert recommendations and gift ideas.

The team has also shared festive wishes, saying they would like to wish all customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.