Novelist, anthologist and travel writer, Sally Emerson brings us another poignant anthology, this time examining the highs and lows of parenthood. New Life, An Anthology For Parenthood captures the joy, puzzlement, wonder, comedy, love and even despair involved in being a parent. Great names such as Dickens and Sylvia Plath are thrown into the mix along with Laurie Lee and John Lennon to cover every hurdle a parent may have to tackle from the unexpected struggle of post-natal depression to the overwhelming love of a new-born baby. Familiar nursery rhymes notes from several unknowns cataloguing the exhilarating journey of parenthood add a lighter note to the book making this the perfect collection for all new parents.

Sally Emerson has edited three anthologies covering the great passages of life including Be Mine, which examines love and marriage and In Loving Memory, which offers comfort and solace for those in grief. All are designed to be inspiring and uplifting, bringing the greatest writers to help and comfort and inspire individuals.

She is also the author of several novels, including Firechild, Separation, Second Sight, Listeners, Heat and Broken Bodies, and has written for the Sunday Times and the Washington Post. Read on to see Sally Emerson’s top 10 summer reads.

New Life by Sally Emerson, £7.69 from Amazon.co.uk