Waterstone’s Ballymena unveils this week’s Top 10 bestsellers and festive new cookery arrivals

Waterstone’s Ballymena has released its latest Top 10 bestselling books, showcasing a strong mix of children’s favourites, festive reads, high-profile memoirs and brand-new fiction — all proving popular with local shoppers in the run-up to Christmas.

Leading the list is Jeff Kinney’s newest instalment of the global sensation Diary of a Wimpy Kid, while titles by Charlie Mackesy, Dan Brown, Wendy Erskine and Jeremy Clarkson also feature prominently in a varied selection appealing to all ages.

This Week’s Top 10 at Waterstone’s Ballymena

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Party Pooper — Jeff Kinney

The latest chaotic chapter in Greg Heffley’s misadventures, full of humour, mishaps and festive family tension, perfect for young readers.

2. Always Remember — Charlie Mackesy

A beautifully illustrated and heartfelt message about love and loss from the author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.

3. Oor Wullie and The Broons Gift Book

A nostalgic annual packed with the classic Scottish comic strips beloved for generations — an ideal Christmas gift.

4. Santa and Son — David Walliams

A warm and witty festive children’s story from the bestselling entertainer, following Santa’s son as he prepares for his biggest Christmas yet.

5. The Secret Of Secrets — Dan Brown

A gripping new thriller steeped in mystery, codes and global intrigue from the author of The Da Vinci Code.

6. The Benefactors — Wendy Erskine

A sharp and compelling new novel exploring community, ambition and the blurred lines between help and harm, from one of Northern Ireland’s most acclaimed writers.

7. Dog Man 14: Big Jim Believes — Dave Pilkey

The newest high-energy, comic-style adventure in the Dog Man series, filled with humour, action and Pilkey’s signature charm.

8. Nobody’s Girl — Virginia Roberts Giuffre

A powerful and candid memoir charting Giuffre’s experiences and her long fight for justice, resonating with readers across the globe.

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

The latest comedic rural diary from Clarkson, offering more anecdotes, farm chaos and countryside reflections from Diddly Squat Farm.

10. Every Christmas Eve — Emma Heatherington

A warm, uplifting festive romance about love, second chances and the magic of Christmas Eve.

Festive Cookery Books Arrive In-Store

Waterstone’s Ballymena has also unveiled an enticing array of new cookery releases, many focused on helping shoppers prepare effortless, flavoursome festive meals.

• The Batch Lady Saves Christmas — Suzanne Mulholland

From one-pot dinners for busy December nights to an entire Christmas feast prepared in the air fryer, the formidable Batch Lady returns with an inspiring seasonal cookbook to make your Christmas culinary preparations a breeze.

• Rick Stein’s Christmas

Combining evocative writing on his own festive traditions and memories with a sublime selection of recipes, Rick Stein’s culinary love letter to Christmas is filled with inspiring celebratory classics from roast goose to mouthwatering mince pies.

• The Christmas Companion — Skye McAlpine

The much-loved cook and author of A Table for Friends delivers delicious recipes, tips and tricks for a perfect Christmas in this beautifully presented volume perfect for the festive season.

Christmas Evening & Book Club — Thursday 4 December

Waterstone’s Ballymena will host its festive Christmas Evening on Thursday 4 December from 6pm–8pm, featuring a cosy storytime session alongside tailored gifting advice from store staff.

The monthly Adult Book Club will meet the same evening at 7pm to discuss ‘The Rest of Our Lives’ by Ben Markovits.

The event is free, requires no booking, and all readers are welcome.

Weekend storytimes will return in the New Year.

Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to offer a lively programme of events, new releases and seasonal inspiration as the community heads into the busiest shopping weeks of the year.