Simply Good Reads

by Joanne Mengel

One of my favorite quotes is “Never apologize for your reading tastes” (Genreflecting, 1982). And, I never do apologize.

Lately, my favorite type of reading is what I refer to as “fluff”. Not for everyone, to me “fluff” reading is anything that is an easy, enjoyable read and makes you feel good when you finish. I put together a list of my top-10 favorites to share with you.

If you enjoy suspense and lots of action, these may not be of interest to you. If you are looking for some feel good reading with a little bit of romance thrown in, I highly recommend the following books. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage, settle into a comfy spot and read your cares away!
 

 Nine women, one dress : a novel by Jane Rosen

A charming, hilarious, irresistible romp of a novel that brings together nine unrelated women, each touched by the same little black dress that weaves through their lives, bringing a little magic with it

 The secret French recipes of Sophie Valroux by Samantha Verant

French-born American chef Sophie Valroux had one dream: to be part of the 1% of female chefs running a Michelin-starred restaurant. Sabotaged by a fellow chef, Sophie is fired, leaving her reputation ruined and confidence shaken. She heads back to France to her beloved grandmother’s luxurious château, complete with two restaurants and a vineyard. Excellent novel rich in culture and full of delectable recipes.

 The House Guests by Emilie Richards

When her step-daughter steals money belonging to Amber, a woman who has since been evicted along with her teenage son, Cassie invites them to move in with her and as they each form friendships, Cassie discovers that Amber is trying to outrun her dark past. Great storyline and gets you hooked from the first few chapters.

 Complications by Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel tells an unforgettable story about a famed hotel, where a few complications quickly escalate into a matter of life and death, changing the lives of everyone who passes through its doors.Known for its luxurious accommodations and bespoke service, the Hotel Louis XVI has been the most lauded boutique hotel in all of Paris for decades, attracting an international clientele of the rich and famous. Now, after four years of renovations and the death of its legendary and beloved manager, it is set to reopen its doors at last. 

 Family reunion by Nancy Thayer

I have read every title by this author and haven’t read a bad one yet. In this magical, multigenerational novel, Eleanor Sunderland loves living on the Nantucket cliffside, in a charming home that has been in her family for decades. Now widowed, she looks forward to the arrival of her children and grandchildren for an annual family reunion. But Eleanor's island idyll is shattered when her money-driven children suggest she sell the house and move to a retirement community. Could not put this one down.

 The last thing he told me : a novel by Laura Dave

The day the feds raid his high-tech firm, Owen disappears and leaves behind his new wife, Hannah, with $600,000 in cash, his sullen teenager Bailey, and a hand-scrawled note: “Protect her.” The rapid-fire pacing never lets up as Hannah delves into Owen’s past and excavates layer after layer of lies, discovering truths even Bailey never knew—as well as a lethal enemy.

 It started with a dog by Julia London

Thanks to an accidental phone swap, two adorable rescue pups, and a coffeehouse clash, a holiday flirtation goes to the dogs and hilarity ensues. This one was one of my all time favorites. And, if you are a dog lover like me, you will enjoy it even more.

 The secret bridesmaid by Katy Birchall

Sophie Breeze is a brilliant bridesmaid. So brilliant, in fact, that she's made it her full-time job. As a professional bridesmaid, Sophie is hired by London brides to be their right-hand woman, posing as a friend but working behind the scenes to help plan the perfect wedding and ensure their big day goes off without a hitch.The Secret Bridesmaid celebrates the joys (and foibles) of weddings, the nuances of female friendship, and the redeeming power of love in its many unexpected forms. 

 The Cottages on Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne

Part of the Haven Point series, this one was really good. You don’t need to read the series in order, and if you love small town settings you will love this one. Megan Hamilton never really liked Elliot Bailey. He turned his back on her family when they needed him the most and it almost tore them all apart. So she's shocked when Elliot arrives at her family's inn, needing a place to stay and asking questions that dredge up the past. Megan will rent him a cottage, but that's where it ends--no matter how gorgeous Elliot has become.

 It’s better this way by Debbie Macomber

It’s been nearly six years since Julia Jones had her heart broken after her husband became involved with another woman. She sells the family home and moves into a condominium complex that offers the warmth and charm of a fresh start. Having settled into her new community and sold her successful interior design business, she’s embraced a fulfilling new life, one that doesn’t seem to need a man in it. Great book about starting over.

Joanne Mengel works in the FDL Public Library Reference department.