I don't know about you but in the difficult times, I'm reading more than ever. Grabbing my book and knowing I can escape what's going on in the real world for an hour or so has been sanity saving.
The books I'm wanting to read right aren't suspenseful thrillers or dramas about dysfunctional families. Instead what I'm craving are funny, charming, uplifting stories where I know nothing too bad will happen and where I'm guaranteed a happy ending.
If you're in need of a pick me up (and, quite frankly, who isn't?), these feel-good reads will put a smile on your face.
1.Saving Missy by Beth Morrey
The success of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine has blazed a trail for books about offbeat characters, and this is one of the best I’ve read. Missy is approaching 80 and is lonely, until a chance encounter. A joyful read about the power of people in saving each other.
2.The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
This story of six strangers all drawn together by a notebook in which people share their secret thoughts and feelings is a lovely read. When Monica finds a notebook in her café, she discovers inside it the story of neighbour Julian, a once-famous artist who is grieving his late wife. A reminder of the importance of friendship and reaching out to others.
3.Days Of Wonder by Keith Stuart
Once in a while, along comes a book that genuinely touches you. Days of Wonder is a bittersweet novel about a single dad and his daughter, Hannah, that made me laugh and cry in turn. Every year theatre manager, Tom, puts on a special performance for Hannah, who has a life-limiting heart condition, but as her health deteriorates and the theatre comes under threat from developers, the pressure is on him to pull off something very special. With a cast of wonderful, believable characters, this is magical story about love, hope and not giving in.
4.The Lido by Libby Page
86-year-old Rosemary and 26-year-old Kate are united by their campaign to save a local swimming pool. Libby Page’s debut is heart-warming story about friendship, community and the power of believing in yourself.
5.Five Steps To Happy by Ella Dove
Five Steps To Happy is the page turning debut novel by GH feature writer Ella Dove. The story of how actress Heidi has to find a new future after a life-changing accident is based on Ella's own experience. Lovely writing and engaging characters.
6.The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
I love the idea behind this clever rom-com: Tiffy and Leon share a flat – and a bed – but have never met as she works days as an editor and he works nights as a nurse. It’s funny and charming but there are moments of real poignancy, too. Guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.
7.Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce
In wartime London, Emmy dreams of being a lady war correspondent but instead finds herself typing up the agony aunt page column at Woman’s Friend, where she can’t help but add her own advice. This charming, joyous debut is a love-letter to female friendship and the Blitz spirit. A warm hug in book form.
8.The Keeper Of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
In this charming novel a celebrated writer spends years collecting lost objects and trying to reconnect them with their owners. On his death, he leaves it all to his assistant to carry on his work.
9.The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Funny, charming and heart-warming, this debut is a gem of a novel about a rather awkward university professor’s search for love. I loved this unconventional romance and although its sequels don't quite match the original, they're worth a read too.
10.The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
One morning Harold sets out to post a letter and begins a journey that will change his life. There are moments that are unbearably moving but ultimately it's an uplifting, big-hearted read.
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