If I loved Catherine Cookson style books...

[Loverofoxbowlakes]

Is there a modern equivalent? In my late teens/early 20s I think I read almost everything by CC, also read a lot of Poldark, some Maeve Binchy etc. I've just dug out my ancient kindle as I'm going on holiday soon and am really looking forward to some quiet days with my head and mind in a good book.

Love the historical stories (my family originate from the NE), bit of grit but nothing too romance. Not horror or thriller. Is there a more modern version of CC's writing style? Or should I just smash the kindle store and get comfy with the OG books?

Have you tried any Rosamunde Pilcher ? She’s more Cornwall than northern grit though.

Nadine Dorries?

I loved Maeve Binchy.

Have you read the Elena Feranti Naples Quartet? Set in Naples, not North East, but brilliant stories and might be the same sort of story with not too much romance.

Have you tried Marian Keyes? She is a bit sexier than the ones you suggest-but she's a wonderful storyteller and has wonderful unforgettable characters. She's like Maeve Binchey's trendy granddaughter....

Call the midwife - not read these books myself but are apparently very good

Maeve Binchey and Rosemary Pilcher - nice gentle reads, good stories

Robert Harris - writes superb historical books,

Seven Sisters series - Lucinda Riley, superb books with parallel stories of the sisters lives today, and historical past. Well recommended. Each book focuses on a different sister.

You could try
Dilly Court
Val wood
Anna Jacobs
Josephine Cox
Lesley Pearce
Lyn Andrews

Dianne Allen
Rita Bradshaw
Dilly Court

Rosie Goodwin