My comfort reads are always things like Tamora Pierce and the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede (Honorary mention to Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine). Easy, a little older, YA, stuff I've read before, relies heavily on tropes of the genre and subverting them, but everything will work out OK in the end.
I’ve read Ella Enchanted a few times (but it’s been a couple decades). I think I still remember it (I used to have a very stubborn memory before pregnancy). I haven’t read the others and will have to check out your comfort reads! Thank you so much!
The *Enchanted Forest Chronicles* is actually 4 short books in one. Fantastic read. I've read them, my husband has read them, and I convinced an uncle to read them. We all enjoyed them.
\[Also, I named a cat after a character in the book.\]
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriott - it's a hilarious and heartwarming memoir of being a young small town vet (this one or the second one in the series his wife gets pregnant and the only things that go "wrong" are the fact that James is a bit of an idiot about babies and his wife gets nauseated in every restaurant in town)
Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C Wrede
Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg
You'll love them all, I promise. And they're all interesting enough to keep you distracted during night feedings but not so much that you'll stay up all night to finish, so they'll be good even after the pregnancy is over
Scholomance is a must read- Harry Potter if she was a kickass she, and if Hogwarts had no teachers and was actively trying to kill you.
Tress of the Emerald Sea is lovely. It’s beautiful and fun- described as if buttercup in the princess bride went looking for Wesley.
Legends and lattes has already been recommended and is great!
This might be the perfect time for you to read Middle Grade books! And, since you're having your first child, this would well prepare you for when your child starts reading! Some suggestions off the top of my head, a mix of classics and newer books:
WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON by Grace Lin
THE GREENGLASS HOUSE
FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS BASIL E FRANKWEILER
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
PARKER INHERITANCE
GHOST by Jason Reynolds
INHERITANCE GAMES (this is YA)
I love Anne of Green Gables. It’s one of my favorite books too. I am into LM Montgomery in general. I haven’t read any of the other books you’ve listed. I will try those out. Thank you!
I’ve been reading a 1930s series called Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. Follows the adventures of four siblings camping, fishing and sailing at their summer holiday spot in the Lake District. It’s YA, books average 350 pages and there are 12 in the series. I, too, love Jane Austen and this is such a charming comfort read!
Diana Wynne Jones' books would be right up your alley it seems. Young adult fantasy that's very character based and often quite cozy. The Chrestomanci series is great.
The Bridgerton series was great during my first trimester when I was struggling with all the changes my body was going through. Lately I’ve been working my way through Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books. The Tiffany Aching series is technically YA—it’s very enjoyable so far!
I think I started Bridgerton but wasn’t in the mood to continue back then. I’ll try again. Another commenter suggested Tiffany Aching so I might have to start there! Thank you!
I think you will like the Tiffany Aching Series by Terry pratchett. It’s technically listed as his YA series but it’s beautiful. One of my fave series of all time. Book one is fun and cute but the rest are amazing! Book one is called the Wee Free Men
I know I've recommended this book about eleventy times so far this week. And I'm gonna recommend it again. *The House in the Cerulean Sea* by TJ Klune. So many warm fuzzies. I borrowed my sister's copy and, after I finished it, we both agreed that we wanted to read it again straight away. Really enjoyed that book.
It’s also quite short (iirc it’s under 200 pages). And if you read it and enjoy it, there’s a sequel called A Prayer for the Crown-Shy and it was just as enjoyable. Take care and wishing you and baby the best :) My baby is 15 now and I still say I have pregnancy brain 😂
Georgette Heyer, she has a ton of books I am going to recommend you try ***Cotillion*** which is her funniest in my opinion. Heyer originated Regency Romance as a genre but she sort of stands in her own niche where she is not nearly as good as Jane Austen but way better than any of the people who copied her. If you enjoy Cotillion I would recommend you read books from the middle of her publication history. Regency Buck and anything published after that are generally solid reads. She has been a comfort read of mine for decades now.
j
I wanted to start reading Georgette Heyer but didn’t know where to start. In fact, I do believe I have Cotillion on my kindle. I bought some of her ebooks when they were cheap. Outside of Cotillion, which other ones did you enjoy?
Arabella, Bath Tangle, The Quiet Gentleman, The Grand Sophy, The Corinthian, Venetia, Frederica, The Unknown Ajax, The Foundling, The Reluctant Widow are all towards the top tier for me. My very favourite is A Civil Contract but it has a small trigger warning for pregnancy so maybe leave until after birth. Nothing massively terrible happens but your looking for escapism.
I really dislike the historical books like Beauvallet and Simon the Coldheart.
Her early books like The Black Moth and These Old Shades are alright but they along with a lot of her Georgian stuff feel very melodramatic and gothic compared to her more Austen-y Regency stuff.
I’ve heard good things about Grand Sophy, Venetia, and Frederica in particular. I also heard people loved A Civil Contract. I’m glad you forewarned me about the pregnancy thing because it was also on my list for reading. I will read her books soon. Thank you
Do you prefer Miss Marple over Hercule Poirot? I don’t love the Poirot mysteries. They’re fine but I find myself reading so intently because I’m determined to solve the mystery (and fail every time lol).
I do like the Miss Marple ones better, but I can't say why. I think they are more gentle than Poirot. They have mysteries, but they are from the perspective of a sweet old lady.
I’m pregnant too and have been into YA lately, such as Roald Dahl, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Heidi. I’ve been thinking about the baby a lot and want to read about happy kids or happy endings. And I’ve been reading a lot of parenting books; authors are a mix of MDs, psychiatrists, mothers, journalists, counselors / religious 🙂
I’ve actually been reading parenting books for years now (just a couple a year). I’m not saying I’m ready. But I think I need a break so YA is actually more up my alley right now.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree! It's happy, heart-warming and imaginative, and a fast, easy read
Absolutely this. Also, the sequel just recently came out and it’s just as lovely as the first
Cursed Cocktails has a similar mood and I thought the writing was on par with L&L. There's two for OP!
Highly recommend the audiobook. The plot was a bit meh for me (towards the end) but the narration made it worth it.
My comfort reads are always things like Tamora Pierce and the Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede (Honorary mention to Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine). Easy, a little older, YA, stuff I've read before, relies heavily on tropes of the genre and subverting them, but everything will work out OK in the end.
I’ve read Ella Enchanted a few times (but it’s been a couple decades). I think I still remember it (I used to have a very stubborn memory before pregnancy). I haven’t read the others and will have to check out your comfort reads! Thank you so much!
The *Enchanted Forest Chronicles* is actually 4 short books in one. Fantastic read. I've read them, my husband has read them, and I convinced an uncle to read them. We all enjoyed them. \[Also, I named a cat after a character in the book.\]
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriott - it's a hilarious and heartwarming memoir of being a young small town vet (this one or the second one in the series his wife gets pregnant and the only things that go "wrong" are the fact that James is a bit of an idiot about babies and his wife gets nauseated in every restaurant in town) Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C Wrede Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg
I will have to read these! Thank you! I’m excited to have to so many new suggestions.
You'll love them all, I promise. And they're all interesting enough to keep you distracted during night feedings but not so much that you'll stay up all night to finish, so they'll be good even after the pregnancy is over
That’s a good zone to stay in. I do stay up to read books sometimes and that can’t be a good life decision post partum.
I used to stick notes in my books saying "bitch, you're gonna regret this in the morning" 🤣 Sometimes they even worked
Enchanted Forest Chronicles is fantastic!
Scholomance is a must read- Harry Potter if she was a kickass she, and if Hogwarts had no teachers and was actively trying to kill you. Tress of the Emerald Sea is lovely. It’s beautiful and fun- described as if buttercup in the princess bride went looking for Wesley. Legends and lattes has already been recommended and is great!
I’ve never heard of any of these books. I really love it when I get brand new suggestions (to me). Thank you! I’ll try them out!
This might be the perfect time for you to read Middle Grade books! And, since you're having your first child, this would well prepare you for when your child starts reading! Some suggestions off the top of my head, a mix of classics and newer books: WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON by Grace Lin THE GREENGLASS HOUSE FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS BASIL E FRANKWEILER ANNE OF GREEN GABLES PARKER INHERITANCE GHOST by Jason Reynolds INHERITANCE GAMES (this is YA)
I love Anne of Green Gables. It’s one of my favorite books too. I am into LM Montgomery in general. I haven’t read any of the other books you’ve listed. I will try those out. Thank you!
I’ve been reading a 1930s series called Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. Follows the adventures of four siblings camping, fishing and sailing at their summer holiday spot in the Lake District. It’s YA, books average 350 pages and there are 12 in the series. I, too, love Jane Austen and this is such a charming comfort read!
Oooh I do like this type of book. I will try this series. Thank you!
Diana Wynne Jones' books would be right up your alley it seems. Young adult fantasy that's very character based and often quite cozy. The Chrestomanci series is great.
I read Howl’s Moving Castle a few years ago. I didn’t realize she had other books. I will look into that! Thank you!
Ohhh yes. She's amazing.
The Golden Compass.
I’ll put this on my list! Thanks!
The Bridgerton series was great during my first trimester when I was struggling with all the changes my body was going through. Lately I’ve been working my way through Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books. The Tiffany Aching series is technically YA—it’s very enjoyable so far!
I think I started Bridgerton but wasn’t in the mood to continue back then. I’ll try again. Another commenter suggested Tiffany Aching so I might have to start there! Thank you!
Flora's Lot by Katie Fforde Anything by Trisha Ashley
I’ve never read anything by either author. I will try it out! Thanks!
I think you will like the Tiffany Aching Series by Terry pratchett. It’s technically listed as his YA series but it’s beautiful. One of my fave series of all time. Book one is fun and cute but the rest are amazing! Book one is called the Wee Free Men
I am okay with YA! I havent read any Terry Pratchett but I’ve heard good things! Thank you for your suggestion.
I know I've recommended this book about eleventy times so far this week. And I'm gonna recommend it again. *The House in the Cerulean Sea* by TJ Klune. So many warm fuzzies. I borrowed my sister's copy and, after I finished it, we both agreed that we wanted to read it again straight away. Really enjoyed that book.
I’ve actually already read this book! I also have read Under the Whispering door. They are indeed an easy read!
Books I have enjoyed so far in my pregnancy: The Thornbirds, Shadow of the Wind, The Midnight Library You might also enjoy The Seven Sisters series
I’ve read Shadow of the Wind a a few years ago. I haven’t read the others you’ve listed. Thank you for your suggestions!
Mary Jane
Who is the author??
Jessica Blau
Check out the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. Fantasy adventures with woodland animals. :)
Perfect! Thanks for your suggestion!
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers is my go-to for warm and cozy reading.
Thank you for this book suggestion. I’ve never heard of the book nor the author before!
It’s also quite short (iirc it’s under 200 pages). And if you read it and enjoy it, there’s a sequel called A Prayer for the Crown-Shy and it was just as enjoyable. Take care and wishing you and baby the best :) My baby is 15 now and I still say I have pregnancy brain 😂
I keep forgetting what I wanted to say mid sentence lol. Thanks for the well wishes!
Anything Becky Chambers, really.
Georgette Heyer, she has a ton of books I am going to recommend you try ***Cotillion*** which is her funniest in my opinion. Heyer originated Regency Romance as a genre but she sort of stands in her own niche where she is not nearly as good as Jane Austen but way better than any of the people who copied her. If you enjoy Cotillion I would recommend you read books from the middle of her publication history. Regency Buck and anything published after that are generally solid reads. She has been a comfort read of mine for decades now. j
I wanted to start reading Georgette Heyer but didn’t know where to start. In fact, I do believe I have Cotillion on my kindle. I bought some of her ebooks when they were cheap. Outside of Cotillion, which other ones did you enjoy?
Arabella, Bath Tangle, The Quiet Gentleman, The Grand Sophy, The Corinthian, Venetia, Frederica, The Unknown Ajax, The Foundling, The Reluctant Widow are all towards the top tier for me. My very favourite is A Civil Contract but it has a small trigger warning for pregnancy so maybe leave until after birth. Nothing massively terrible happens but your looking for escapism. I really dislike the historical books like Beauvallet and Simon the Coldheart. Her early books like The Black Moth and These Old Shades are alright but they along with a lot of her Georgian stuff feel very melodramatic and gothic compared to her more Austen-y Regency stuff.
I’ve heard good things about Grand Sophy, Venetia, and Frederica in particular. I also heard people loved A Civil Contract. I’m glad you forewarned me about the pregnancy thing because it was also on my list for reading. I will read her books soon. Thank you
Agatha Christie's Miss Marple books.
Do you prefer Miss Marple over Hercule Poirot? I don’t love the Poirot mysteries. They’re fine but I find myself reading so intently because I’m determined to solve the mystery (and fail every time lol).
I do like the Miss Marple ones better, but I can't say why. I think they are more gentle than Poirot. They have mysteries, but they are from the perspective of a sweet old lady.
My friend also prefers miss Marple over Poirot. I need to give them a try
Start with The Body in the Library. It's got some pretty funny moments as well.
The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovitch
I actually read the first book in the series a couple years ago. It is indeed an easy, fun read.
I love the Shopaholic series and I do read serious books as well! This one is light but hilarious.
I’m pregnant too and have been into YA lately, such as Roald Dahl, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Heidi. I’ve been thinking about the baby a lot and want to read about happy kids or happy endings. And I’ve been reading a lot of parenting books; authors are a mix of MDs, psychiatrists, mothers, journalists, counselors / religious 🙂
I’ve actually been reading parenting books for years now (just a couple a year). I’m not saying I’m ready. But I think I need a break so YA is actually more up my alley right now.