Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

Gentle, comforting reads

43 replies

Yoyoyo1 · 28/03/2023 11:42

Sadly my dad has just died. My mum said she was enjoying gentle books, such as 'Seagulls in the Attic'. Can anyone recommend other similar books with no hard topics.

OP posts:
Costacoffeeplease · 30/03/2023 22:55

Another vote for Miss Read

If she enjoys Driving Over Lemons there are lots of similar books, some with several volumes set in france, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal etc

Costacoffeeplease · 30/03/2023 22:55

Rosamund Pilcher and Maeve Binchy might also fit the bill

Mycathatesmecuddling · 30/03/2023 22:59

The british library have a series of books by female authors written from around 1910 -1950 which are very much in the Barbara Pym vein

Also Diary of a provincial lady is a nice read and gently humorous

DuneLoafers · 30/03/2023 23:05

Also agree Maeve Binchy and Rosalind Pilcher are very comforting.

Newer Comforts:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

The Art of Baking Blind by Sarah Vaughan (bake-off in book form!).

DahliaMacNamara · 30/03/2023 23:49

Early Maeve Binchy in particular is fabulous.

Footle · 31/03/2023 22:50

Another Elizabeth von Arnim, The Enchanted April.

Costacoffeeplease · 31/03/2023 23:12

Kate Morton - The house at Riverton

FishChipsMushyPeas · 01/04/2023 22:48

I have just discovered the 'cosy mysteries' genre. They are exactly what I need at the moment, gentle and easy to read with a nice mystery that is wrapped up by the end of the book. They are set in a village location with a normal (ie not police) amateur sleuth. They are often about murders but the nature of cozies is that any violence, sex etc takes place off page so they are much easier to read. Think Miss Marple or Agatha Raisin.

Riverlee · 01/04/2023 22:52

@FishChipsMushyPeas I love a cozy mystery series. Currently ho9ed on Patricia Fisher series. I alternate between a Patricia Fisher book and non PF book, usually book club choice.

FishChipsMushyPeas · 01/04/2023 23:05

Riverlee · 01/04/2023 22:52

@FishChipsMushyPeas I love a cozy mystery series. Currently ho9ed on Patricia Fisher series. I alternate between a Patricia Fisher book and non PF book, usually book club choice.

Ooh thanks River. I'll have a looksy. I'm currently reading a Christmas themed one (no one judge please! 😀) called A Cup of Holiday Fear by Ellie Alexander.

PinkLemonadee · 01/04/2023 23:07

Anything by Eva Ibbotson. The Secret Countess is my favourite.

PinkLemonadee · 01/04/2023 23:08

Also I'm very sorry for your loss.

lazymum99 · 02/04/2023 10:37

I would recommend Penelope Lively books for a comforting read.

FiveGoMadInDorset · 02/04/2023 10:55

Maeve Binchey and also the Miss Read books

Hallelujah2020 · 02/04/2023 11:28

Yoyoyo1 · 28/03/2023 11:42

Sadly my dad has just died. My mum said she was enjoying gentle books, such as 'Seagulls in the Attic'. Can anyone recommend other similar books with no hard topics.

So sorry for your loss

Miss Read series are lovely and gentle, Fairacre series and Thrush Green series, plus lots of books

Echo Leonard and Hungry Paul

Hallelujah2020 · 02/04/2023 11:31

She might also enjoy Gervase Phinns books

SammyScrounge · 31/07/2023 01:49

Alexander McCall Smith 's Ladies Detective Agency novels. Set in Africa, the books are full of gentle humour and the humane and wise outlook of Precious Ramotswe. She deals with minor problems with compassion and determination.. Truly lovely books.

Hoolahoophop · 02/08/2023 10:46

Rosamunde Pilcher has been my go to when I need comfort. I recently read I capture the castle and think that would fit the bill as well. Jane Austen or Cranford was wonderfully gentle as well.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page