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Original poster

Good quality chick lit

62 replies

Riverlee · 17/02/2022 12:14

The last four books I have read include child abuse, murder and terrorism so I need something lighter to read. I don’t want a ‘Kate inherited Aunt Trudys cottage and cafe in Cornwall and find new love after breaking up with City broker Tarquin’, but more like the Seven Sisters.

I’ve read all the usual suspects - Penguin/beetle/oliphant/lido/harold fry/seven sisters/rose code/etc

Thank you

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Pumpkin314 · 17/09/2022 20:16

Another vote for Taylor Jenkins Reed, really enjoyed Daisy Jones & the six, and Malibu Rising. Want to read the rest of hers now.

wheresmyshoe · 17/09/2022 20:01

Abigail Bosanko doesn't seem to write any more but I adore her books, try Lazy Ways to Make Living.

TraceyGerbil · 17/09/2022 19:59

@IntermittentParps the Greengage Summer is one of my favourite books.

Abracadabra12345 · 17/09/2022 19:59

highlandcoo · 17/02/2022 14:40

These are not chick-lit but could probably be described as "women's fiction" - I don't like that term but can't think of a better one:

A Single Thread Tracey Chevalier
The Mysteries of Glass Sue Gee
A Room Made of Leaves Kate Grenville
Circling the Sun Paula McLain
Other People's Marriages. Rosie Thomas
My Dear I Wanted to Tell You Louisa Young

You might also like Anita Shreve's books

and above all if you like family sagas with a bit of depth:
The Cazalet Chronicles Elizabeth Jane Howard .. The Light Years is the first in the series.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mysteries of Glass recommended but it’s stunning, one of my favourite books. I think it fits the brief

Mumofcats5 · 17/09/2022 19:57

Definitely recommend some Heidi Stephens books - they're well written, relatable and have a bit of spice!!

HighlandCowbag · 17/09/2022 19:55

I like Freya North for feel good stuff, the 3 sisters books are good. Can't remember the order but I think they are called Cat, Fen and another I can't remember.

Also Cecila Ahern are lovely and warm.

mamaduckbone · 16/09/2022 21:22

I find Jojo Moyes very easy reading but not too cheesy. Me before you and the sequels especially.

whatshouldIdo2022 · 10/09/2022 13:10

Anything by Emily Barr..as in any of her books, not that being the title of one!

StColumbofNavron · 10/09/2022 11:20

Yes to Santa Montefiore. I really enjoyed her series set in Ireland, starts with ‘Songs of Love and War’. When I get in a readings slump she always gets me out.

MaggieMagpie357 · 09/09/2022 13:34

Any of Santa Montefiore's books (especially the ones set in Italy,) or Taylor Jenkins Reid - they are my current go-to authors for a bit of escapism.

torquewench · 09/09/2022 13:12

NightmareSlashDelightful · 17/02/2022 14:37

‘Kate inherited Aunt Trudys cottage and cafe in Cornwall and find new love after breaking up with City broker Tarquin’

Grin

It's always Cornwall, isn't it. They never inherit an MOT testing station in Skelmersdale.

🤣 I used to work in Whelmar House in Skem. The Conny's defo a candidate for least romantic setting for anything ever

Howeverdoyouneedme · 09/09/2022 13:07

Agree with Giver of Stars.
Also, A Single Thread.

Randomword6 · 07/09/2022 19:53

Candace Bushnell

TeaMeBasil · 26/02/2022 20:00

A man called ove was brilliant.

When I need a light read I head for Jane Fallon, she's fun, chick lit but always with a twist and she doesn't always end in the 'and then she met a man and he made her life complete again' cop out ending!

shash1982 · 21/02/2022 17:04

Either of these authors?

Belinda Jones
Sophie Kinsella

Deadivy · 18/02/2022 20:11

Lisa Jewell.

minsmum · 18/02/2022 19:33

Jennifer Crusie I love Welcome to Temptation, Bet Me and Fast Women to make but a few

Bunnymummy2 · 18/02/2022 19:31

The Giver of Stars was great, would make an excellent film. I've just finished The Midnight Library and recommend.

samsalmon · 18/02/2022 19:27

Thanks for the recommendations! I’m definitely going to look up some of these.

generallyfailing · 18/02/2022 19:23

Mhairi McFarlane - well written and entertaining

MarshaBradyo · 18/02/2022 19:20

Liane Moriarty is really good and an easy read

Not sure if qualifies as chick lit

princessspotify · 18/02/2022 19:18

Dawn 'o' Porter are good books for light reading. I really enjoyed So Lucky and Cows

SanFranBear · 17/02/2022 22:47

@DramaAlpaca

Anything by Penny Vincenzi.
Or these too - cracking books, every last one of them!
SanFranBear · 17/02/2022 22:46

The original and the best - Jackie Collins... or early Jilly Cooper is also fantastic.

CurbsideProphet · 17/02/2022 22:39

I'm really enjoying "The Perfect Art of Caring" - Jessica Ryn.