Can anyone recommend a really comforting book?

[PumpkinWitch]

I am looking for something really nice to read that is not upsetting. I am doing the freedom program at the moment so anything about domestic abuse or with a lot of violence is too much for me.

I have been reading all the call the midwife books which I enjoyed. My grandma was a midwife at that time.

It can be fiction or non fiction. I don’t really like sci-fi (apart from Douglas Adams) but I enjoy lots of different types of books.

The Midnight Library by (Matt Haig i think) is a good read.

The Other Bennett Sister is very gentle. It tells the story of Pride and Prejudice from the viewpoint of Mary Bennett and what happens to her after Lizzie and Jane are married.

Non fiction - anything by Brene Brown. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Fiction - Elizabeth is missing was really lovely

My go-to for comfort reading is Ballet Shoes. I still love it, but I appreciate it may not have the same effect if you didn't first read it as an impressionable eight year old.

Maeve Binchy books?

The Offing and The Librarian- both lockdown reads. The Cactus was also very heartwarming.

Older children's authors maybe?

I like:
Malcolm Saville
Monica Edwards
Antonia Forest
Violet Needham
Gwendoline Courtney
Geoffrey Trease
Chalet School

Ebay normally has a few from these, though with varying prices.
Definitely comfort reads.

Leonard and Hungry Paul is lovely.
The Blue Castle.
Cold Comfort Farm.
The Shell Seekers.

If you read the Little House on the Prairie books (not the awful TV series) as a child then you may enjoy "Caroline" by Sarah Miller.

Have you tried Miss Read OP? Real comfort reading for me 😊

I haven’t read it for ages, but a book reflecting on the true experiences of two sisters buying a cottage in rural Italy is lovely ( and will make you dream of moving to Italy).

www.amazon.co.uk/Extra-Virgin-Amongst-Groves-Liguria/dp/0140294236?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

The Olive Farm books by Carol Drinkwater. Tells the true story of how she and her husband bought and restored an abandoned olive farm in the south of France. Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive.

Yes, Maeve Binchy!

@Mycatismadeofstringcheese - our recommendations sound very similar!!!

Yes to brene brown. Non fiction and empowering.

Oh I’ve not read that one Creamcrackers. I will check it out.

The author Alexander McCall-Smith’s books about a “traditionally built” lady detective in Botswana took off in America post 9/11 as they were so gentle and comforting - may be just what you need if you haven’t discovered them yet.

Any of Maeve Binchy's 1950s sagas or a Rosamunde Pilcher like The Shell Seekers or Coming Home

I really enjoyed the keeper of lost things by Ruth hogan.

The No 1 Lady's Detective Agency books (Alexander McCall Smith) are a nice easy read I agree, but if I remember correctly there are some (minor) references to domestic violence

Have you tried the James Rebanks Books?

Or Richard Osmans 'Thursday Murder Club' despite its titie it's very gentle.

Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day is fabulous. You can really escape into it.

I have read big magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. I loved Ballet Shoes when I was little I have also re-read 101 dalmations.

There are lots of good suggestions I have not read anything by Berne Brown or Miss Read. I might like the Olive Farm one too.

Lucy Dillon for me.

I loved The Librarian too, a beautiful read