The cosiest book you ever read

[MellowBird85]

As autumn approaches, I’d really like to find a proper cosy book - the type that you can curl up by the fire with while the rain lashes against the windows but not too twee iykwim? I wouldn’t mind something based in the 18th or 19th century (but not essential). I went on GoodReads and found a list of “Books to Read on a Rainy Day” and all the classics were at the top of the list - Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Pride & Prejudice, etc. I’m willing to give these a go but just thought I’d get some opinions on here first. TIA

[LadyCarolinePooterVonThigh]

Sandman, that was a great rescue!

[tobee]

Enchanted April is one more.

[Dr1ftw00d]

Loved Enchanted April but felt it was more a summer book.

[tobee]

Yes it doesn't really fit the autumnal criteria!

[Coldhandscoldheart]

This thread has made me go & read the Cazalet books - haven’t got to the last one. I must say they’re very enjoyable, but my goodness none of them can stay faithful!

[TheCanterburyWhales]

Another one wh reads The Shell Seekers and September regularly, and must get Winter Solstice.

I'll add Bookworm by Lucy Mangan. An avid reader tells us about the children's books she read and loved She must be just a tad younger than me so all my old favourites were there, and it had me scuttling to eBay to buy the EXACT edition of all the ones I loved so much.

[OldGrinch]

Winter Solstice is fab it's my go to cosy book

[TheCanterburyWhales]

I've just downloaded it. Going to save it till Sunday when dh is at the footie!

[Thatsnotmymammoth]

Another vote for 44/Scotland Street series. And the good thing is if you enjoy the first one there are about 9 more.
The Snow Child is lovely too. I felt like I was living in a log cabin surrounded by snowy forest when I was reading it.

Not autumny but cosy, ahead of its time and funny is A Diary Of A Provincial Lady by E.M Delafield.

[Tuliptulip]

I don’t think anyone has mentioned Monica Dickens? I love The Happy Prisoner and Mariana...

[Janeaustenrocks]

Yes. The Crimson Petal and the White.
And Wuthering Heights

[BreconBeBuggered]

OMG, Tulip, yes. Monica Dickens is fab. I can't decide on a favourite. Maybe The Fancy.

[willloman]

Agatha Christie, but I've also just recommended Hugh Aubyn's Ms Graves (www.<a class="break-all" href="//amazon.co.uk/s?ref=nb_sb_noss%29&k=hugh%20aubyn&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">https://amazon.co.uk/s?k=hugh%20aubyn&ref=nb_sb_noss%29&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 which is a more contemporary/eccentric take on the Miss Marple type. Enjoy.

[willloman]

Also wikepedia has a list of cozy fiction authors etc

[seasidequayside]

Barbara Pym is quite a cosy read. And has anyone mentioned Persephone Books? Many of theirs would fit the bill, but especially anything by Dorothy Whipple (Greenbanks is my favourite), and Family Roundabout by Richmal Crompton.

[ChristmasFluff]

I once spent a 'deluge-of-rain' Saturday reading 'Rebecca'. It was perfect.

[mamaduckbone]

I'd go for Philippa Gregory - a bit of lovely period drama.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Lovely thread.

My money is on:
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
84 Charing Cross Road
A Town Like Alice
Ballet Shoes
Charlotte Sometimes
The Little Women series
Tom's Midnight Garden

[Sewingbea]

"Bread Alone" by Judith Hendrick

[Yiayoula]

“Csardas” ( Diane Pearson ) is one of my all-time favourites.
Also “ The summer of the Barshinskeys “ by the same author.

[HappydaysArehere]

Little Women and Good Wives.

[MinnieMountain]

Barbara Pym who wrote mainly in the 30's-50's. She's like Jane Austen in her observations of society.