Gosh, when it rains it pours! I've been waiting to share two pieces of my exciting bookish news for weeks and both are released today. First the announcement of The Green Carnation Prize judges - of which I am one. Now, here is a video I recorded with the amazing intelligent Anna James from WeLoveThisBook.com where we discuss our top new publications for June.

Please forgive how stiff and nervous I seem. You see why I'm a blogger and not a vlogger. Too shy! I discuss novels Mrs Engels (which was out in May but I snuck it in), The Household Spirit and Tender. I'm totally intrigued by Judy Blume's novel for adults which Anna discusses as well.

Click on this link to comment below the WeLoveThisBook post for your chance to win the books we discuss: http://www.welovethisbook.com/features/june-favourites

It’s hard to believe it but we’re nearly halfway through 2015 already! Thinking back on some of the best books I’ve read so far this year titles like Anne Enright’s “The Green Road”, Patrick Gale’s “A Place Called Winter”, Joyce Carol Oates' "The Sacrifice", Marilynne Robinson’s “Lila” and the short stories by Megan Mayhew Bergman “Almost Famous Women” are up there. But Gavin McCrea’s debut novel “Mrs Engels” has lingered in my mind more than most because of the power and originality of the central character Lizzie. She’s such a strong creation with a mesmerizing voice and the story is so engaging I’ve been recommending this novel to everyone. I feel so strongly about it I want to give you a chance to read it too!

But I want to know about what books I’ve been missing out on. So let’s do a trade! You tell me about the book you’ve read this year which is your absolute favourite. I’ll select one comment as the winner to send Gavin McCrea’s novel to and before 2015 ends I’ll also read the winner's favourite book (it doesn’t need to be a new book published this year). Sound fun?

To win a signed copy of Mrs Engels comment on this post telling me what is the best book you’ve read so far this year. At the end of June the winner will be chosen through a very sophisticated selection process (I’ll pull a name out of a hat). Be sure to include your email or twitter handle so I can get in touch for your address to mail the book to you if you win. You can enter from anywhere in the world. Good luck!