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!

Hi, OP here to say thanks for the lovely recommendation. It got to the top of my reading pile this week and I devoured it. Had to stop half way through as I was inspired to clean out a kitchen cupboard or two 😂.

@jjeoreo I love Victoria Clayton! So so good. Permanent place on my nightstand for when I'm ill, or just out of sorts. I've even been known to think, What would Daisy do? to get myself through tough domestic days!

Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Aw I'm so pleased you liked it! It's one of my favourites and i always have a clear out after a reread.

Autumn Crush is another of her good ones. Some of them can be a bit samey or silly. (But I've still read them all!)

I'm surprised she's not better known!! I have so many bits from her books "saved" on my kindle, I re-read them when I want a laugh and a bit of perspective.

@SquirrelFan that was meant to be for you...

On that note, what else do you like reading? The Victoria Clayton connection is promising.

@jjeoreo I wish I had a list of similar authors, but no-one compares! I'll be looking at some of the books on this thread, though. If you find anything that is well-written, funny, and evokes the same comforting feeling, let me know!