First Date x Indie Bookshop Week: Radhika Sanghani

Independent Bookshop Week has arrived and this year it finds us gearing up for Scotland's inaugural festival for romance writing: First Date  takes place at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on June 25th.

If you're not in Edinburgh for it, fear not. The panels will not only be livestreamed, but we've also invited some of our favourite authors of romance fiction from further afield to take part in the celebrations virtually by recommending their favourite romance reads!

Today, as independent Bookshop Week draws to a close, we're joined by one of the authors appearing in person at tomorrow's festival: Radhika Sanghani, who will be appearing as part of our This is Romance panel.

Radhika is a writer for the Telegraph, writing news, features and profiles about women and women’s issues. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism from City University London, a BA in English Literature from University College London, and was runner-up in GQ’s Norman Mailer writing competition.

Here's Radhika with her favourite romance reads:

Lace by Shirley Conran - I think this book is genius. I love the portrayals of the strong, very different women, as well as the focus on friendship. It's so easy to read, but I also think it's really well-written.

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles - I loved this story of a woman in New York in the 60s. It's not a strict romance, but I couldn't put it down.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - This was my favourite book as a child and I loved Jane's gently blossoming romance with Mr Rochester. I still do.

Venetia by Georgette Heyer - This is a classic period romance, but Venetia is a strong, feminist heroine with a sense of humour, which makes all the difference.

The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford - I can re-read this book endlessly. I love the journey of Linda Radlett from teenager to young woman, and how her desperation to be loved doesn't always go well...

Follow #FirstDateFestival on our social media and keep an eye out for more recommended romance reads through Independent Bookshop Week. Info about First Date Festival can be found HERE.