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Original poster

please help me find my next comfort read (I'm v fussy!)

107 replies

Namechangetimesigh · 06/03/2023 10:34

(reposted as I put it in the wrong topic to start with)

I'm a total escapist comfort reader and I know exactly what I like, but having exhausted the back catalogue of my favourite authors (Jenny Colgan, Trisha Ashley and the comfort food cafe series) I'm always struggling to find another that hits the comfort-reading spot:

  • set in the UK countryside or seaside
  • featuring a sensible woman who makes the best of her situation, often through organisation, home/shop renovation or cooking
  • quirky friends and/or family provide comedy
  • nothing horrible happens
  • romance optional

If it helps, I liked Cathy Bramley until her style changed slightly, I can't get into Debbie Johnson's non-comfort food cafe books and Heidi Swann very nearly hits the spot. For some reason, Kate Forster, Phillipa Ashley and Jo Bartlett didn't click for me.

Thank you!

OP posts:
WashAsDelicates · 07/03/2023 16:22

I've browsing Raffaella Barker's website. Seems that, sadly, there are only two books about Venetia Summers (Hens Dancing and Summertime), but a few of her other titles might fit the OP's bill.

CurlewKate · 07/03/2023 15:58

Libby Purves

longtompot · 07/03/2023 15:11

*mind

and I have read Hens Dancing! It was quite chaotic if I remember correctly.

longtompot · 07/03/2023 15:07

Isla Dewar came to mine when I read your post @Namechangetimesigh Tends to be about strong women, who don't necessarily know they are, dealing with life. A lot are set in Scotland. The first one I read was Women Talking Dirty. I nearly didn't because of the title and the fact the cover was bright pink, but I am so glad I did. I have read a lot of her books and always look out for them at charity shops etc

I think I have read Hens Dancing, mentioned above. If I have I remember really enjoying it, and reading it several times. I need to check my books.

Octopus45 · 07/03/2023 14:53

I cannot wait to try some of these authors. I'm going to save a link to this thread.

BatFaceOwl · 07/03/2023 14:45

Catherine Alliott might fit the bill

Zogthebiggestdragon · 07/03/2023 13:34

Fiona Gibson does a great line in this kind of book and she's often on offer on Kindle! Lots of later middle age women getting on with life which I really like.

Shangrilalala · 07/03/2023 13:29

Barbara Pym - Excellent Women surely fits the brief.

bigbadbarry · 07/03/2023 13:26

oh, sorry I see @isitaline97 already mentioned her

bigbadbarry · 07/03/2023 13:24

Ooh and Ruth Hogan.

Beccarecca · 07/03/2023 13:01

Jessica Redland
Holly Martin
Hannah Ellis
All are on my read list, as are many of yours

unfortunateevents · 07/03/2023 12:57

Sally Page - Keeper of Stories. Hits all your spots except the country/seaside bit.

kateandme · 07/03/2023 12:26

I just wrote you all the greatest list.snd backpaged instead on entered😱😭

SusiePevensie · 07/03/2023 12:24

Maeve Binchy - except more Dublin than countryside.

Cold Comfort Farm?

TragicMuse · 07/03/2023 12:21

I can to say Hens Dancing too! But I didn't know there were two more. What pleasures await!

bigbadbarry · 07/03/2023 12:16

WashAsDelicates · 07/03/2023 12:02

I could be wrong!

Well that is disappointing! Might have to re-read HD instead. Again.

WashAsDelicates · 07/03/2023 12:02

I could be wrong!

bigbadbarry · 07/03/2023 11:45

Except, @WashAsDelicates , I have only read two - Hens Dancing and Summertime. What is the third, please?

bigbadbarry · 07/03/2023 11:42

WashAsDelicates · 06/03/2023 23:16

Try the Hens Dancing books (trilogy?) by Raffaela Barker. The fit almost every one of your requirements (except that the protagonist is not terribly sensible) and are really lovely books.

I came on here to say exactly this. You need to read them. They are the ultimate comfort books and I adore them

kateandme · 07/03/2023 11:41

I could just live on this thread.and happily die on it.thanks.the end.❤️

DuchessOfPort · 07/03/2023 11:36

Jane Lovering and Sarah Morgan.

Hbh17 · 07/03/2023 11:36

South Riding is one of my all-time favourite books, but not exactly "comforting"!

TossieFleacake · 07/03/2023 11:31

Just thought of another one -
Courtney Sullivan ... The Engagements, was a surprise, loved that and also Maine which is a real feel good book, proper comfort read.
Also Judy Blume - Summer Sisters

Original poster
Namechangetimesigh · 07/03/2023 08:48

Octopus45 · 07/03/2023 08:40

I'm another big fan of comfort reads. I second Sarah Morgan, only discovered her just before Christmas and I'm on my fourth book. Also, Alexandra Potter (she wrote 'Confessions of a forty something fuckup" last year, her books follow a similar pattern, are easy to read and most importantly feel good. Claire Calman is another good one, her books have a few complications along the way but are light and easy to read. Its lovely to come across a fellow comfort reader. I had a bit of a shitty year last year to say the least and I had joined a book club, but ended up giving up on it cause I just wanted to read feel good stuff.

Yay for comfort reading and thanks again everyone.

OP posts:
Octopus45 · 07/03/2023 08:40

I'm another big fan of comfort reads. I second Sarah Morgan, only discovered her just before Christmas and I'm on my fourth book. Also, Alexandra Potter (she wrote 'Confessions of a forty something fuckup" last year, her books follow a similar pattern, are easy to read and most importantly feel good. Claire Calman is another good one, her books have a few complications along the way but are light and easy to read. Its lovely to come across a fellow comfort reader. I had a bit of a shitty year last year to say the least and I had joined a book club, but ended up giving up on it cause I just wanted to read feel good stuff.