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Original poster

Gentle, comforting reads

43 replies

Yoyoyo1 · 28/03/2023 11:42

Sadly my dad has just died. My mum said she was enjoying gentle books, such as 'Seagulls in the Attic'. Can anyone recommend other similar books with no hard topics.

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Hoolahoophop · 02/08/2023 10:46

Rosamunde Pilcher has been my go to when I need comfort. I recently read I capture the castle and think that would fit the bill as well. Jane Austen or Cranford was wonderfully gentle as well.

SammyScrounge · 31/07/2023 01:49

Alexander McCall Smith 's Ladies Detective Agency novels. Set in Africa, the books are full of gentle humour and the humane and wise outlook of Precious Ramotswe. She deals with minor problems with compassion and determination.. Truly lovely books.

Hallelujah2020 · 02/04/2023 11:31

She might also enjoy Gervase Phinns books

Hallelujah2020 · 02/04/2023 11:28

Yoyoyo1 · 28/03/2023 11:42

Sadly my dad has just died. My mum said she was enjoying gentle books, such as 'Seagulls in the Attic'. Can anyone recommend other similar books with no hard topics.

So sorry for your loss

Miss Read series are lovely and gentle, Fairacre series and Thrush Green series, plus lots of books

Echo Leonard and Hungry Paul

FiveGoMadInDorset · 02/04/2023 10:55

Maeve Binchey and also the Miss Read books

lazymum99 · 02/04/2023 10:37

I would recommend Penelope Lively books for a comforting read.

PinkLemonadee · 01/04/2023 23:08

Also I'm very sorry for your loss.

PinkLemonadee · 01/04/2023 23:07

Anything by Eva Ibbotson. The Secret Countess is my favourite.

FishChipsMushyPeas · 01/04/2023 23:05

Riverlee · 01/04/2023 22:52

@FishChipsMushyPeas I love a cozy mystery series. Currently ho9ed on Patricia Fisher series. I alternate between a Patricia Fisher book and non PF book, usually book club choice.

Ooh thanks River. I'll have a looksy. I'm currently reading a Christmas themed one (no one judge please! 😀) called A Cup of Holiday Fear by Ellie Alexander.

Riverlee · 01/04/2023 22:52

@FishChipsMushyPeas I love a cozy mystery series. Currently ho9ed on Patricia Fisher series. I alternate between a Patricia Fisher book and non PF book, usually book club choice.

FishChipsMushyPeas · 01/04/2023 22:48

I have just discovered the 'cosy mysteries' genre. They are exactly what I need at the moment, gentle and easy to read with a nice mystery that is wrapped up by the end of the book. They are set in a village location with a normal (ie not police) amateur sleuth. They are often about murders but the nature of cozies is that any violence, sex etc takes place off page so they are much easier to read. Think Miss Marple or Agatha Raisin.

Costacoffeeplease · 31/03/2023 23:12

Kate Morton - The house at Riverton

Footle · 31/03/2023 22:50

Another Elizabeth von Arnim, The Enchanted April.

DahliaMacNamara · 30/03/2023 23:49

Early Maeve Binchy in particular is fabulous.

DuneLoafers · 30/03/2023 23:05

Also agree Maeve Binchy and Rosalind Pilcher are very comforting.

Newer Comforts:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

The Art of Baking Blind by Sarah Vaughan (bake-off in book form!).

Mycathatesmecuddling · 30/03/2023 22:59

The british library have a series of books by female authors written from around 1910 -1950 which are very much in the Barbara Pym vein

Also Diary of a provincial lady is a nice read and gently humorous

Costacoffeeplease · 30/03/2023 22:55

Rosamund Pilcher and Maeve Binchy might also fit the bill

Costacoffeeplease · 30/03/2023 22:55

Another vote for Miss Read

If she enjoys Driving Over Lemons there are lots of similar books, some with several volumes set in france, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal etc

ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 30/03/2023 22:48

I love Elizabeth Von Arnie's books. The Enchanted April is lovely, as are the German Garden books (as per my username). They are about the healing power of nature and quiet rest, so they're very relaxing to read.

ThatLibraryMiss · 30/03/2023 22:38

Cold Comfort Farm is a lovely gentle book with a happy ending.

Mischance · 30/03/2023 22:33

Definitely Miss Read. These books have seen me through some difficult times. Simple undemanding stories but with a basis in reality so they they are not too sweet.

I am sorry for your loss.

deeplybaffled · 30/03/2023 22:27

l’m sorry.

in case your mum didn’t know, Seagulls in the attic is not the only one in that series.

I can also second the Miss Read recommendation. And if she likes Driving over Lemons, the Annie Hawes books Extra Virgin etc are also very good comfort reading.

Whosawake · 30/03/2023 22:21

Actually, just realised the version I read was called Marriages Are Made in Bond Street x

Whosawake · 30/03/2023 22:17

So sorry about your Dad @Yoyoyo1. If it's gentle non-fiction your Mum likes, this might be a bit of a random suggestion but I really enjoyed The Marriage Bureau: The True Story of How Two Matchmakers Arranged Love in Wartime London by Penrose Halson.

highlandcoo · 30/03/2023 00:08

I’m very sorry about your dad.

I agree with the James Herriot and the Miss Read books. Also Leonard and Hungry Paul which is heartwarming.

Alexander McCall Smith’s Scotland Street series set in Edinburgh is gentle and amusing. And if your mum enjoys them , there are lots to be going on with.