Shelf Life: Uplifting Reads

We’re deep into the dark days of January now with the bright lights of Christmas behind us and the lure of summer still to come.  We’re prescribing a good book to cheer you up and make you laugh. For the month that’s in it, we’re recommending some uplifting reads.  

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My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes

There’s nothing like a new Marian Keyes novel to spark joy! Anna is living her dream life in New York until everything crashes around her.  Coming back to Ireland, she takes a PR job in a tiny village called Maumtully, helping her friends to set up a luxury coastal retreat.  She soon discovers that not everyone is happy about the development, but that’s the least of her worries.  Her ex, Joey Armstrong, is in town and Anna’s determined not to fall for him again.  This book is absolutely hilarious, spit-your-tea-out, laugh out loud funny. Between Anna’s midlife crisis, her mad family and the warring locals, this book is the perfect anecdote for the January blues. 

You are here by David Nicholls

For fans of One Day, this is David Nicholl’s latest novel and it’s a gem.  Marnie and Michael are middle-aged, lonely and a little bit stuck in life.  A mutual friend invites them both on a long-distance hike in the English countryside. As they walk together, they discover that they have something – a spark, a connection.  But will they be brave enough to take the leap of faith? Combining humour and wonderful dialogue, Nicholls shows once again that he is a master of the modern love story. 

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Chances are you’ve probably heard of the Octopus Book!  Yes, one of the main characters is an octopus but bear with me, it’s a cracking read.  Tova, a widow, works as a cleaner in an aquarium and strikes up a friendship with Marcellus, a giant octopus.  Can Marcellus help her to solve the mystery of her son’s disappearance 30 years previously?  Can Tova open her heart to the people around her and find meaning to her life again?  This is a giant hug of a book and will warm you up on a cold winter’s night.

A Dream of Italy by Nicky Pellegrino

For anyone who dream of sitting in the Italian sunshine, sipping an espresso and watching the world go by, this is the book for you!  Buy a crumbling house in an Italian mountain town for just one euro?  What’s not to like?  The mayor of Montenello has plans to regenerate his beloved town, while four complete strangers have the chance of a new life.  Next to booking a holiday to Italy, this book is the next best thing. Indulge in the best of Italian food, weather and culture without leaving your couch!

Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes

Sam and Nisha are very different women with nothing in common.  Sam is a struggling mum in a job that’s making her miserable trying to keep her marriage and family together.  Nisa has a rich husband and every imaginable luxury, until suddenly everything falls apart.  When they accidently swap gym bags, their lives are thrown together leading to far reaching consequences.  A heart-warming story of female friendship, courage and second chances, this very funny book will have you chuckling into your cornflakes. 

Death at the sign of the rook by Kate Atkinson

Cosy crime is having a moment and Kate Atkinson has got in on the action with her latest Jackson Brodie novel. Ex-detective, Jackson finds himself stranded at a stately home in the countryside during a snowstorm while a murder mystery weekend is taking place. Unfortunately for him, an actual murder takes place and it’s up to him and DC Reggie Chase to find the murderer. Atkinson has a ball playing with the murder mystery set-up and everyone from the vicar to the dowager plays their part in full.  So much fun. If you like Downton Abbey and Agatha Christie, you’ll love this.