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

[Namechangetimesigh]

(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!

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.

Catherine Alliott might fit the bill

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

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.

*mind

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

Libby Purves

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.

I just realized I recommended Marcia Willett without giving any book titles. "Postcards From the Past" takes place in Cornwall, lots of lovely descriptions of locations and cozy domestic details. Bit of light mystery but nothing distressing. Focus on family, friends, community etc.

Four new books ordered and three more in 'save for later' :)

I've just looked up a book I read years ago that fits your brief, except it's set in Seattle (I thought it was UK) But it was a nice easy read anyway: A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber.
Secrets by Freya North is another easy read about a woman escaping to Saltburn on sea

Della Galton does a few set around Studland in Dorset that I enjoyed

Bookmarking this thread for all those recommendations.
I've read many of those listed and have some on my TBR shelf.
One to add Julie Shackman, The Cottage in the Highlands

Bookmarking this!

I can never remember authors but I've recently enjoyed-
Stepping Up
The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman
The Flatshare

Yes this, normally always works out in the end. People live in nice places despite their jobs indicating that they can't... doesn't matter. Easy reads, likeable characters... I think you will enjoy them. X

Aw I really enjoyed Life Swap

Rebecca raisin
Holly Hepburn
Ali mcnamara

Jo Thomas
Liz Fenwick
Jane lovering
Helen rolfe
Jennifer bonnet
Julie Houston
Julie Haworth
Anita faulkner
Bella osbourne
Patricia Scanlan
Mandy Baggot
Sheila O'Flanagan
Christie Barlow
Donna Ashcroft
Kathryn Freeman
Georgia Hill
Daisy James
Rachel Griffiths
Susan Buchanan
Teresa F Morgan

Rosamund Pilcher, Erica James

A room with a view fits your brief.
And something which fits 90% of it but is quite gruelling, traumatic even is I Am An Islandp Tamsin Calidas

Following for my next read

@WashAsDelicates - I absolutely loved those books!

Have you read Victoria Clayton?

Out of Love is my fave, Dance with Me excellent.

Just get past the first 15 pages of both. I love these and raced through them. They tick all your boxes but are better written than the usual stuff I think. Please, somebody read these!!

Sue moorcroft
Jaimie Admans
Georgina Troy
Jessica Redland
Jenny Oliver
Holly Martin
Siân O'Gorman
Fay Keenan
Jane Linfoot
T.A. Williams
Kate Frost
Rachel Griffith
Sandy Barker
Gillian Harvey
Leonie Mack
Sue Roberts
Jill Steeples
Maxine Morrey
Ian Wilfred
Shari Low
Portia MacIntosh
Julie Shackman
Samantha Tonge
Lindley kelk
Lisa Hobman

No seaside but the best two Marion Keyes are Rachel's holiday and The Break up. I laughed my socks off to both. Grown ups I wanted to slap them.

Milly Johnson has strong women and Yorkshire humour. Lots of cake.

Jane Fallon's new one I have just read, pink stripped cover very funny catfish story (I have given it to my friend so can't remember the title).

I also love Jane Austen. And although not chick lit I highly recommend The Confession by John Grisham. It is his best book but not a light read.

Milly Johnson, A spring affair. Sensible woman finds romance and declutters. What more could you want?

Love this thread, Could get expensive.