2025 has been brutal – I lost my job, a couple friendships, my apartment caught on fire, I broke up with who I thought was the love of my life, and books have been the one source of constant comfort and companionship throughout it all.
I’m looking for anything cozy – found family, strong growth arcs, loveable characters, healing and restarting life, literally any fiction with that “warm hug” feel-good feeling. Also open to nonfiction, especially memoirs!
A few recent(ish) favorites that have evoked that mood: House in the Cerulean Sea, My friends by Fredrick backman, a man called Otto, Eleanor oliphant is completely fine.
Other favorite books/authors include Taylor Jenkins Reid (esp Evelyn Hugo and atmosphere), Abby Jimenez, tiny beautiful things by Cheryl strayed, in the dream house, finding me, educated, love and saffron, remarkably bright creatures, mad honey, red white and royal blue.
I’ve been on a reading binge but can’t quite figure out what’s going to strike the right chord next – any and all recommendations very appreciated! Thank you!
by whatchamacalher
11 Comments
I think you’d like “A Most Agreeable Murder” by Beatrice Steele. Think of it as Bridgerton but murder mystery, and also just slightly goofy.
The James Herriot books are always a cozy series that I can rely on if all else fails.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (it is another TJ Klune book involving a found family, but it does deal with death so if that’s a trigger for you maybe avoid it)
The Legends and Lattes series by Travis Baldree
A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet (and all the other books Becky Chambers wrote in the same world) by Becky Chambers. Promise Me Sunshine and Ready or Not, both by Cara Bastone.
Oh man what an awful year, I’m so sorry.
Since you mentioned A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman’s books always make me feel a little better about humans – Britt Marie Was Here, My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry, Anxious People – all of these are great. Beartown is also great but heavier subject matter than his others.
“What You are Looking For is in the Library” by Michiko Aoyama is a good one about new beginnings
The spellshop by Sarah Beth durst
Have you read Emily Henry, similar feel to Abby Jimenez. Hotel Nantucket is good. I’m reading love the one you’re with by Emily giffin and it’s quick easy and distracting. I usually only really like easy reads without much trauma but actually loved the wedding people. I just had to push through the first few chapters where main character is struggling. I’m glad reading is helping, better days are coming!!
Leonard and Hungry Paul. Would definitely describe as a low stakes hug of a book. Sorry for everything you are going through 💜
The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett, Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau. Both so sweet and enjoyable.
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe
The finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano
The Griffin Sisters greatest hits by Jennifer Weiner
Dial A for Aunties series by Jesse Sutano
Various books by Elin Hilderbrand
Books by Katherine Center