Books that are just a good story…

[Atmywitsend23]

Hoping the wisdom of mumsnet can help me out here. Going through a very difficult time in my personal life and desperately need a distraction. Preferably nothing overly emotional or that deals with anything too serious

Seven Sisters series - Lucinda Riley
Maeve Binchey books

Sounds like you need Veronica Henry in your life! Try The Beach Hut or High Tide.

If you want a funny book try The Girl who Saved the King of Sweden by Jonas Jonasson. Utterly farcical but very funny

I have been reading a lot of Dickens lately, and have been struck by the sheer magic of his storytelling. When a writer becomes as famous as he is, we tend to forget why. But he really is a wonderful storyteller. Still, he may be a bit too emotional. Same goes for Hardy. How about Jane Austen? Pride and Prejudice has never been bettered. I remember Stig Abell, the editor of the TLS, saying that Pride and Prejudice is his go-to book whenever he feels sad.

Personally, these are the books I turn to when I'm low. (I get what you mean about stuff that's emotionally triggering.)

P. G. Wodehouse: Right Ho Jeeves
Patrick Leigh Fermor: A Time of Gifts
Bill Bryson: Notes from a Small Island
Bill Bryson: A Short History of Nearly Everything
Douglas Adams: Hitchhiker's Guide
C. S. Lewis: Narnia books
The Wind in the Willows
Sherlock Holmes

I'd also recommend listening to some audiobooks. Stephen Fry reading Wodehouse or Sherlock Holmes is bliss.

Hope things get better for you OP x

Another vote for Veronica Henry here. Erica James and Marcia Willett too.

Nice to see another Veronica Henry Dan on here 

@Clawdy have you chosen anything yet?

The Pillars of the Earth is a chunky story full of meat to keep you going.

This is why Jeeves and Wooster was written. The most joyful witty brilliant writing but with completely frivolous plots. Wonderful.

I also like The No 1 ladies Detective Agency as a comfort read. Mme Precious Ramotswe is a wonderful warm character.

Have you read any Jilly Cooper?

When I'm that kind of situation I like to escape with crime thrillers. There's rarely any romance but a clear beginning middle and end plotwise.

*fan! I'm not sure who Dan is...

Another vote for Maeve Binchy. Try 'Scarlett Feather' or 'Light a Penny Candle.'

It's Scarlet, not Scarlett.

I always return to my favourite children’s books. The Chalet School, Ballet Shoes, Tripods, Dark is Rising, Narnia…

It's called 'Uplit' I think there's a section on Goodreads you could look at.

Also at that stage where I'm going through a lot and just like a nice warming story. I'll come back with some thoughts.

When I go through these periods I binge on georgette heyer and Agatha Christie

Jackie Collins is always my go to in such times.

These are the moment in life that Jane Austen is for.

Gavin Lyall - Spy's Honour and 3 more in the series.

Maeve Binchey, Jenny Colgan, Sophie Kinsella and Milly Johnson books are all great for a bit of escapism. Louise Pentland’s Wylde about the girl trilogy is also fab!