A couple of months ago I gave you my ten favourite classic books to escape with (https://www.emma-bennet.co.uk/pure-escapism-reads), but in this post I’m getting a little more up to date with my choices.

I love all types of books: romance, thrillers, sci fi, fantasy… depending on my mood, but in difficult times, I find I revert to books I trust to cheer me and make me happy. I need to step away from all the terrible things going on in the world, and find some solace in a story that makes me smile, and all of these do! They tend to be primarily romantic comedies, though not entirely.

With no further ado, and in no particular order, here’s my Top 10 Modern Reads to Isolate With. Are there any you’d add?

1: Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding – Do not read this in public unless you’re happy for people to see you snorting with laughter. I quite enjoyed the film, but I consider the book to be far superior. https://amzn.to/3cCcJTx

2: The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella – If you’ve yet to experience the wonder that is Becky Brandon nee Bloomwood, make sure you start with this, the first book in the series. A wonderful heroine, you’ll love her even when she’s driving you crazy! https://amzn.to/2T5IlZZ

3: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion – The first in the series following the lovely Don and his misadventures with neurotypicals. Life affirming and so, so sweet and funny. https://amzn.to/2WWM0uA

4: Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion and Anne Buist– A second choice from Graeme Simsion, but this time he’s partnered up with his wife, Anne Buist, to write this charming story of two strangers who end up travelling the Camino Way together. Makes you desperate to join them! https://amzn.to/2y8NfhO

5: A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson – I just love Mr Bryson. I adore his humour, his love of words and his frequent grumps. ‘A Walk in the Woods’ sees Bill joined by his friend Stephen Katz as he sets off to hike the Appalachian Trail, the longest continuous footpath in the world. This is my favourite of Bryson’s books, and I think the funniest. https://amzn.to/2LuvdJI

6: Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan – I’d actually recommend all Jenny’s books if you need cheering up, but I think this is my favourite. Mainly cos I fancy the hero and the setting is so lovely. https://amzn.to/2WXJW5w

7: Did Anyone Die? by Stella Stafford – The first in the Little Wychwell Mysteries series, a supremely English murder mystery, which I can only describe as a delightful modern amalgamation of P.G. Wodehouse and Agatha Christie. https://amzn.to/2WAA7LI

8: The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes – Ms Keyes is an absolute genius as far as I’m concerned, but her books do often deal with tricky topics (extremely well I should add, but not what you necessarily need if you’re trying to escape your own worries). This one is wonderful and safe for those not wanting to deal with too much reality at the moment! https://amzn.to/3cCxxKJ

9: Johnny Be Good by Paige Toon – I love Paige’s writing, it’s light and so romantic. ‘Johnny Be Good’ is a fave because who doesn’t love a bad boy? Be warned – make sure you have the sequel ready to start straight after you finish this one! https://amzn.to/3fL5omG

10: The Birds and the Bees by Milly Johnson – Milly is the queen of feel-good fiction. I particularly enjoyed this, one of her earlier books, but if you like a happy ending and a good old fashioned come-uppance for your bad guys, you can’t go wrong with anything by Milly! https://amzn.to/3dI4xBo

Look out next month for my Top Ten non fiction books to perk you up and inspire! X