You and I are kindred spirits, which is why I know you need Rosamunde Pilcher in your life this summer. The Shell Seekers is the best-loved work of hers and a great way to start. Everything you want about living in a cozy English cottage in a small town going through all the trials and tribs of life as a woman and mother.
I know you like “gentle British murder” mysteries, so try the Lady Hardcastle series by T.E. Kinsey. The entire 12 book series also comes with a lovely British narrator for you to listen to as well. Hope it helps and you’re not alone!! Big hugs!
I like cozy, heartwarming books before bedtime. I just finished reading Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton and I highly recommend it. It is a memoir but reads more like a beautiful, gentle novel. I highly recommend it. It is about a woman in the English countryside who finds a tiny baby hare and decides to take her into her home to nurture her even though she knows nothing about raising a wild animal. It’s simply beautiful from start to finish. I looked forward to reading this book every night. There are a few lovely surprises tucked in among the pages.
Hi Shaye, have you ever read anything by Wendell Berry? I recently read Hannah Coulter and the way Berry writes about people, relationships, connection to the land and place...well, it's just magical and heartbreaking all at the same time. Highly recommend. I'm sorry you're feeling a bit worn down; I completely understand and I pray you feel peace as you bake, mother, clean, and tend to those around you.
Hi Shaye! Sending warm thoughts as you navigate these moments. 🩵 There is a book called The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher that I found so touching and enjoyable. I highly recommend it. ☺️📚
I'm sorry to hear that you had a rough weekend. I hope things get better soon. Here are a few recommendations: Remarkably Bright Creatures (you probably read this already), World of Wonders (beautiful book), books by Lauren Denton and Karen Kingsbury, The Bookshop of Second Chances, anything by Rebekah Lyons, although that is non-fiction. I hope you enjoy! You and your family are doing such a wonderful job!
Oh Shaye, Morning and Evening is one of my most beloved devotionals of all time (I adore Charles Spurgeon) and I love that you’re reading that too. ❤️
As far as novels… I’m currently going through a series that starts with the book Love, Practically (by Nichole Van) and hot DANG they are so good!! Also, our book club read Frozen River at the beginning of the year and it was fantastic, 5 stars all around, though it may be more of a cold weather read… given the frozen river and all 😏
Hey Shaye! I have so enjoyed all books by Carol Drinkwater that are set in France and Europe countrysides! Her Olive Farm series is amazing and her fiction books are also amazing! The Forgotten Summer is one of my favorites!
I have a book blog, so I always get excited when someone is looking for a great book to read! Two lists I have that you might particularly like are this one on cozy small town book series: https://teaandinksociety.com/small-town-book-series/ and this one on pastoral novels: https://teaandinksociety.com/pastoral-novels/ (that's not novels about pastors, it's novels about pastoral life, ha!)
You and I are kindred spirits, which is why I know you need Rosamunde Pilcher in your life this summer. The Shell Seekers is the best-loved work of hers and a great way to start. Everything you want about living in a cozy English cottage in a small town going through all the trials and tribs of life as a woman and mother.
Ohhh yes, Shell Seekers is such a good recommendation and so perfect for Summer!
Hi Shaye!!
I know you like “gentle British murder” mysteries, so try the Lady Hardcastle series by T.E. Kinsey. The entire 12 book series also comes with a lovely British narrator for you to listen to as well. Hope it helps and you’re not alone!! Big hugs!
Kate Milford: The Raconteur's Commonplace Book. Best thing I've read in a year.
I like cozy, heartwarming books before bedtime. I just finished reading Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton and I highly recommend it. It is a memoir but reads more like a beautiful, gentle novel. I highly recommend it. It is about a woman in the English countryside who finds a tiny baby hare and decides to take her into her home to nurture her even though she knows nothing about raising a wild animal. It’s simply beautiful from start to finish. I looked forward to reading this book every night. There are a few lovely surprises tucked in among the pages.
An author to consider, Naomi Stephens. She writes historical fiction and is very sweet when I met her at a book signing.
Hi Shaye, have you ever read anything by Wendell Berry? I recently read Hannah Coulter and the way Berry writes about people, relationships, connection to the land and place...well, it's just magical and heartbreaking all at the same time. Highly recommend. I'm sorry you're feeling a bit worn down; I completely understand and I pray you feel peace as you bake, mother, clean, and tend to those around you.
100% Hannah Coulter!
Hi Shaye! Sending warm thoughts as you navigate these moments. 🩵 There is a book called The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher that I found so touching and enjoyable. I highly recommend it. ☺️📚
I'm sorry to hear that you had a rough weekend. I hope things get better soon. Here are a few recommendations: Remarkably Bright Creatures (you probably read this already), World of Wonders (beautiful book), books by Lauren Denton and Karen Kingsbury, The Bookshop of Second Chances, anything by Rebekah Lyons, although that is non-fiction. I hope you enjoy! You and your family are doing such a wonderful job!
Yes to remarkable bright creatures !
Oh Shaye, Morning and Evening is one of my most beloved devotionals of all time (I adore Charles Spurgeon) and I love that you’re reading that too. ❤️
As far as novels… I’m currently going through a series that starts with the book Love, Practically (by Nichole Van) and hot DANG they are so good!! Also, our book club read Frozen River at the beginning of the year and it was fantastic, 5 stars all around, though it may be more of a cold weather read… given the frozen river and all 😏
Another plug for The Frozen River!
Ferenc Mate's trio of books about Tuscany, I just love them. The Wisdom of Tuscany, The Hills of Tuscany, A Vineyard in Tuscany
Hey Shaye! I have so enjoyed all books by Carol Drinkwater that are set in France and Europe countrysides! Her Olive Farm series is amazing and her fiction books are also amazing! The Forgotten Summer is one of my favorites!
Thanks for the recommendations friends! I’ve ordered some second hand copies and look forward to tucking in!
Have you watched Enchanted April? It’s balm for the soul and takes place in Italy😍❤️
The All Creatures Great and Small series by James Herriot or A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.
James Herriot's "Ben" is a classic.
I have been reading The Big Fisherman by Lloyd C. Douglas and enjoying it.
I have a book blog, so I always get excited when someone is looking for a great book to read! Two lists I have that you might particularly like are this one on cozy small town book series: https://teaandinksociety.com/small-town-book-series/ and this one on pastoral novels: https://teaandinksociety.com/pastoral-novels/ (that's not novels about pastors, it's novels about pastoral life, ha!)