Romance and thrillers dominate Waterstone’s Ballymena Top 10 as readers snap up summer preorders

Romance, psychological thrillers and contemporary fiction are leading the way at Waterstone’s Ballymena this week, with the latest Top 10 bestselling books revealing a strong appetite for emotionally charged page-turners and escapist summer reads.

Alongside the new chart, the Ballymena store has announced upcoming book club selections, children’s storytime events and a host of major new titles now available to preorder ahead of their highly anticipated releases later this year.

Top 10 This Week

This week’s bestselling list reflects a growing demand for romance and suspense, with several chart-topping authors continuing to attract loyal readers.

1. Fever Dream — Elsie Silver

A sizzling contemporary romance packed with emotional tension, chemistry and drama.

2. The Daisy Chain Flower Shop — Laurie Gilmore

A warm and uplifting story filled with friendship, romance and small-town charm.

3. We All Live Here — Jojo Moyes

A heartfelt and engaging novel exploring family, relationships and belonging.

4. The Deal — Elle Kennedy

A hugely popular romance favourite blending humour, heart and college drama.

5. Gone Before Goodbye — Harlan Coben & Reese Witherspoon

A gripping thriller combining emotional depth with high-stakes suspense.

6. Yesteryear — Claire Caro Burke

A sharp and addictive debut exploring the hidden realities behind a perfectly curated online image.

7. Rory — Alan Shipnuck

A revealing portrait of Rory McIlroy, charting the pressures and successes of elite professional golf.

8. Broken Country — Clare Leslie Hall

An immersive and emotionally rich novel centred on relationships, identity and change.

9. Such a Nice Girl — Andrea Mara

A twist-filled psychological thriller exploring secrets, deception and hidden danger.

10. The Benefactors — Wendy Erskine

A sharply observed and darkly funny portrait of contemporary Northern Ireland life.

Book clubs continue through June

Waterstone’s Ballymena’s growing programme of book clubs continues next month, with readers invited to come along regardless of experience or reading background.

• Fiction Book Club

Thursday 4 June at 7pm

This month’s title is Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis.

• Romance Book Club

Friday 19 June at 7pm

Readers will discuss Fever Dream by Elsie Silver.

Tea and refreshments are provided during all book clubs, with organisers encouraging new members to join the relaxed and informal sessions.

Storytime returns on 30 May

Families are invited to attend storytime and colouring at 12pm on Saturday 30 May.

This week’s featured book will be Where is Pierre? by Emma Clarke.

Major new titles available to preorder

Several highly anticipated books are now available to preorder in store.

• John Of Johns — Douglas Stuart

Out 21 May 2026

The acclaimed author returns with a deeply emotional story exploring family, religion and secrecy through the life of a young man returning home.

• Mirror of Infinite Endings — Stephanie Garber

Out 22 September 2026

A beautifully illustrated novella set in the world of Once Upon a Broken Heart, featuring fan-favourite characters Jacks and Evangeline Fox.

• We Chase Shadows — Richard Osman

Out 10 September 2026

Steve Wheeler and his impulsive daughter-in-law Amy return for another mystery-filled adventure in the follow-up to We Solve Murders.

• It Could Have Been Her — Lisa Jewell

Out 2 July 2026

The bestselling thriller writer returns with another dark and suspenseful mystery involving secrets, motivations and a missing dog.

New Game of the Month

Waterstone’s Ballymena has also highlighted Castle Combo as its latest Game of the Month.

The medieval-themed strategy game challenges players to draft cards and build the strongest character grid possible in order to score points.

Designed as a quick but strategic game, it is aimed at casual gamers, families and fans of tabletop engine-building games.

Closing

With romance novels climbing the charts, major new releases already creating buzz and community book clubs continuing to grow, Waterstone’s Ballymena remains a lively destination for readers looking to discover their next favourite book this summer.