Can anyone recommend lighthearted fiction that's still decently written?

[JackieOsHeadScarf]

There must be something in the gap between Jo Jo Moyes and Milkman

The Falco books (murder mysteries in Ancient Rome) by Lindsay Duncan.

FrenchFancie don't despair there's a new St Mary's short story out on Christmas Day and the next book is due out in April.

In the meantime have you tried the first Time Police book? Very similar and includes Max & Leon's son Matthew

Caryl Brahms, esp No Bed for Bacon

Another for Marian Keyes, and I'm also really enjoying Meg Wolitzer at the moment.

Angela Thirkell - witty. Fannie Flagg - heartwarming.

Jane Green

I've enjoyed some of her books, but they are not in any way well-written. She repeats and even contradicts herself all over the place. God knows what her editor was doing.

I was coming on to say Santa Montefiore. I see someone mentioned her already. Whenever I get in a reading rut her books get me out. My favourites are her Deverill books, the first is Song of Love and War or similar and the whole saga is set against the backdrop of Ireland in the early 20th century.

Anything by Lucinda Riley, Rachel Hore and Tracy Rees are really good - also Rosanna Ley - they are dual time line nvels , but are generally light hearted family dramas.

Jane Fallon