Light & Easy Reads When You Need To Escape & Find Solace In A Book

Y’all things feel bleak and uncertain right now. I am trying to stay optimistic right now as we are on day 11 of staying at home but it’s hard and taking a lot of distraction and reframing. It’s even been hard to read and I’m finding myself NEEDING those light & easy books to read because my anxiety is high worrying about how we will carry on, how this will affect Riley and just worrying about loved ones and all the unknown.

Despite it being challenging for me to actually read right now I’ve been certainly, as always, trying to find some solace and normalcy in books. But I’m DEFINITELY finding myself seeking out two types of books: all things light/easy/funny/heartwarming and also things that are just quick and easy (honestly thrillers that aren’t super disturbing have been EVERYTHING to me because of that quick hook).

I’m always a fan of more lighthearted books when summer hits (love those light summery reads) but I ALWAYS need my entertainment to be more light and feel good or just EASY/hook me quick when things are personally hard. But when the world seems like its on fire and things are so uncertain? YEP give me all the feel good books or easy reads.

Those types of reads have such a huge place in my reading life throughout the year but especially now. I’ve connected with a lot of you and it seems many of us are feeling this way. So if you feel like you want to escape in a nice light book I wanted to share all these type of lighter reads — lighthearted but smart reads, happily ever afters, all things heartwarming, quick-to-hook-you books and all those funny feel good novels! I even have a section of quick and easy thriller type books that are on the lighter side.

I hope you will share even more recommendations in the comments so this can be the BEST resource for light reads right now.

My Favorite Books That Are Light & Easy To Read

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I’ve broken them down into genres depending on what you like to read and set young adult books into their own section for ease of finding what you are into!

Light Reads If You Want Some Romance Or Rom Coms…..

• Evvie Drake Starts Over: Really enjoyed this story about two people starting over after big life setbacks — a death and a career tumble! Just delightful and heartwarming. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)
  

• The Flatshare: A light and charming read about two people sharing the same flat, at different times, who get to know each other and fall in love via notes they leave for each other. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS

• The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang: If you are looking for a sexy & smart romance with steam and heart, this is it! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Hating Game by Sally Thorne: This delightful workplace romance between enemies will hook you with the banter and sexual tension. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella: Sophie Kinsella in general is the perfect light read author in general and I REALLY enjoyed this during a stressful time in my life. Seriously look at her backlist, too! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren: Hilarious rom-com about two enemies who pretend to be newlyweds for a honeymoon. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Josh & Hazel’s Guide To Not Dating:  This was a damn delight. If you like a good friends-to-lovers story, check this one out! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Worst Best Man: The most recent book I read this one is total escapist about two enemies (they almost became brother/sister in laws) who have to work together for a work promotion. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Bringing Down The Duke: If a historical romance is your thing, this one was charming and fun! The main character is a suffragette and needs to get the support of a cold, brooding duke so she goes undercover to do so! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Get A Life Chloe Brown: This one is EVERYTHING — funny, romantic and just heartwarming. Very uplifting and full of heart about a woman trying to accomplish her “get a life” list and the man she finds irritating (yet attractive) who she ends up needing to help with a couple of them. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

Also check out my guide to new romance books to read in 2020 if you are a romance fan!

Some lighter ~women’s fiction~ picks

• Confessions of A Domestic Failure: mom com? Can we make that a thing? It was hilarious yet also hit on some hard motherhood truths. Definitely a LIGHT and fluffy read to escape because it’s so over the top at times! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Happiness For Beginners by Katherine Center: This is one of my favorite books because it’s light and humorous but also has a lot of substance with the personal growth of the character. After her divorce, the main character signs up for a wilderness course (and she, like me, is NOT outdoorsy) and she finds that her brother’s annoying friend is also on the trip. Some romance, some personal growth. A perfect escape. Check out my review of Happiness For Beginners by Katherine Center. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• That’s What Frenemies Are For: This is the ultimate lighthearted funny read with its over the top nature. If you find you like to escape with ridiculous reality tv (like the Real Housewives…hey no judging I watch Jersey Shore), this is the one for you. Every character is kinda the worst but it is a fun romp in the world of rich NYC moms full of snark, pettiness and drama. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

Lighter Historical Reads

I feel like so often I struggle to find lighter historical reads (or maybe I’m just drawn to more dark or depressing ones) but here’s some I think are great entertainment!

• Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: An Old Hollywood icon, now a recluse, finally opens up and wants to tell the story of her glamorous and scandal-filled life to a journalist (who has no idea why she picked HER of all people). The story is the present and also the story of her younger life. It’s a page-turner and a SUPER addictive. There are some sad bits in it but overall a light and easy read. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce: Okay so there is a sad thing in this book BUT overall this book was a more feel good and light read set during a war. So many war-time books are depressing but this one OVERALL was not.  It was just a delight — the main characters were lovely. It’s about a twenty something gal during WW2 with big dreams of being a war correspondent, applies for a job she THINKS is doing just that…but she finds out she’s taken a job as a typist for a small, out of touch women’s magazine and the boss is a harsh, proper women who refuses to publish anything REAL or “unpleasant” in her advice column. The main character can’t sit idly by as these letters really touch her from these women during war-time. So she writes to them. It’s a perfect look at every-day life during a hard event…that push and pull of the gravity of what’s going on vs normal life. I think we can all kinda relate to this now as we try to do our new normal. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• My Lady Jane: A comedic take on Lady Jane Grey (with a little bit of magic). Clever, hilarious and just plain ol’ fun. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue: A fun YA historical romance/road trip romp full of humor. Check this one out on audio!! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society: Talk about warm and feel good, this one is it! If you haven’t already check out this book, written as a series of letters telling the uplifting tale of the people of the island of Guernsey during German Occupation, is a balm to a weary soul. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Phryne Fisher series: Okay I will be honest….I watched the series (Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) years ago and haven’t read the books but I plan to. The show is the utmost delight and I’ve heard good things about the books. A fun historical mystery series with the best leading lady. HIGHLY rec the tv show! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

You may also like: New Historical fiction to read in 2020

Lighter General Fiction & Literary Fiction Reads

• The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared: A humorous and uplifting story about a 100 year old man, in a nursing home but still in good health, who decides to escape and ends up on QUITE the adventure. Light-hearted and humorous — perfect for fans of Forest Gump! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)
• The Story of Arthur Truluv: I love books with found family/friendships especially people who you wouldn’t expect together. This book is about 3 people (an elderly widowed man, a troubled teen and a nosy neighbor) who find their way back to happiness because of each other. Will warm your heart and be an easy read! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)
• The Rosie Project: This one is the ultimate feel good novel. I’m serious. My heart still flutters thinking about. A love story about a guy (think a little like Sheldon Cooper) trying to figure out if he is in fact capable of true love. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)
  

• The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry: If you like books that make you laugh and cry at the same time, check this one out. It’s about a cranky, isolated bookstore owner who receives a surprise and life-changing package to help him restart his life. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper: A heartwarming story about a loveable and widowed elderly man who, upon finding something among his wife’s possessions, sets out for the adventure of a lifetime. Absolutely charming book to keep you company! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Bookshop On The Corner: Looking for the perfect escape read? This light and easy read is a total comfort read that is perfect book lovers. It’s about a woman starting over who opens her own traveling bookshop in a rural area. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Garden Of Small Beginnings: Funny and heartfelt! It’s about a widow who has been in survival mode trying to take care of her kids after the death of her husband. I know that doesn’t sound like it would let itself to a lighthearted and funny read but it does as she takes a gardening class where she meets quite the cast of people. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

You may also like: 2021’s most anticipated adult fiction reads

Lighter Young Adult Reads

• 10 Blind Dates: One of the most delightful books I’ve read in a while. It’s about a girl whose (amazing and hilarious) family sets her up on 10 blind dates after she is dumped by her boyfriend over the holidays.  Full of big family love and a sweet romance….plus fun dating misadventures. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• When Dimple Met Rishi: A perfect romcom to escape into about two Indian-American teens whose parents are trying to set them up ! It’s funny and sassy and the characters are delightful company — plus there’s other companion books featuring characters from this. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies: What an addictive read that felt a lot like “classic chick-lit” like Sophie Kinsella and Meg Cabot. Fun, fluffy and compulsive read about a girl who fakes her way into an internship writing a dating column by using her bff’s experiences and all the work/dating hi-jinx along the way in New York City. You can read more of my thoughts here. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Wanderlost: If you are feeling a little stir-crazy right now and want an armchair adventure, this super cute romance with a travel theme will help. It’s about a girl leading a tour of senior citizens around Europe via bus under the pretense that she is her older sister — whose tour guide gig this WAS until Aubree accidentally gets her sister in trouble and she is unable to leave the country to do her job so Aubree needs to pretend to be her and take over. The premise is a little over the top but I REALLY enjoyed this one. My review of Wanderlost is here. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Wish You Were Italian: Another light and cute romance with travel — the Italian setting was TO DIE FOR. Check out my review of Wish You Were Italian! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Since You’ve Been Gone: A wonderful and heartfelt book about friendship and finding yourself from one of my all time fave YA authors. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Summers at Castle Auburn: Okay here’s a fantasy one for you! Sometimes fantasy, during times when I need light books, requires too much thinking or is really dark and brutal but THIS ONE is the perfect choice for when you want to escape reality. It’s the most fuzzy and wonderful fantasy novel I’ve ever read. Read my review of Summers At Castle Auburn to read why!

• Also Known As: If a fun spy novel is your thing, this book is sure to be a fun romp for you! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• All Stephanie Perkins contemporary romance books: These are my ultimate light comfort reads with romances that just warm my heart!! You gotta meet Anna, Lola and Isla!! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

You may also enjoy: 2021’s Must Read Young Adult Fiction

Lighter Mysteries & Thrillers To Escape Into

I know what you are thinking…mysteries and thrillers?? Won’t that be the opposite and bring anxiety?? And for some people…you might want to avoid! HOWEVER, thrillers are what are clicking with me and that I’m breezing right through right now. They are keeping my attention like crazy so might be worth a try. Most of my suggestions are more on the quick and light(er) side vs some more intense and disturbing ones.

A request: I know cozy mysteries would probably be great in this time…anyone have any recs for me???

• The Thousand Dollar Tan-Line: The Veronica Mars books actually were quite a surprise! I was skeptical as a fan of the show at first but these are the perfect light, quick mystery reads! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen: The over-the-top thriller you need in your life right now — really absorbing story about a woman finding out the grass might not be greener when she joins a friend group that seem to have the life she wants. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Lock Every Door by Riley Sager: The main character gets more than she bargains for with a house-sitting gig in a mysterious and famous building…not everything is as it seems! (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• Two Can Keep A Secret: Two teens move to the town their mother grew up in, a town famous for a murder of a homecoming queen 5 years ago and their aunt’s disappearance many years before that, and no sooner have they moved in things someone starts threatening the high school students/homecoming again. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)
  

• My Sister, the Serial Killer: If you like dark comedy thriller type things, this is it! It’s a short little novel but I enjoyed it so much. About two sisters — one who murders her boyfriends, one who has to clean up the mess. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Wife Between Us: Another one from this duo that is one of those domestic thrillers you can easily dive into! Twisty and turny and will keep you on your feet as you try to figure out who is in the right and who is in the wrong — the new wife, the old wife or the husband?? (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

• The Couple Next Door: Another domestic suspense novel that hooks you quickly about friendly neighbors (not without their secrets), a dinner party and a terrible crime that happens during it. (FIND IT: AMAZON / ONLINE VIA INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS)

A book to look out for that I just read but isn’t out until April: He Started It by Samantha Downing…what a wild ride!!!

Is dystopian/post-apocalyptic stuff more your style for fast paced reads? Check out these books like The Hunger Games series!

I hope this reading list helps you find what you need — a light and easy read, something heartwarming, something EASY, or something funny to escape into! Please leave all your suggestions below because *I* need them!!

I hope you are all able to take care and find some solace in books (or other things) right now. Let me know how I can help you!

PIN IT FOR LATER

If you are looking for more reads along this line…check out my beach reading list for 2020! Or maybe check out this list of books for fans of Bridgerton!