Why are lists like this so hard for me? So much of what I read is dark or emotional and not at all what I would call feel good books. Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of romance on this list, because when I need a happier or light book that is the genre I typically turn to.
Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows make magic when they right together! If you need a book that will make you laugh, get your hands on a copy of My Contrary Mary asap, especially if you enjoy satire. Better yet, download the audiobook! The humour seems to land better when it is said out loud. If you enjoy the show Reign, you need to read My Contrary Mary, as it follows Mary Queen of Scots but gives her story a much deserved twist, while also making references to the TV show. I love that this trio takes real women from history and gives them a better ending while also adding magic and some nonsensical elements that just makes the story more fun and unique.
It Happened One Summer instantly became one of my favourite romances, especially since the main character, Piper, is inspired by Alexis from Schitt’s Creek. If you are a fan of the show, it is pretty likely that It Happened One Summer will put a smile on your face. While Piper is incredibly spoiled and often naïve, there is something so charming and likable about her, much like Alexis. If you are a fan of the grumpy + sunshine trope then this is the book for you!
You would not think that I would include a murder mystery on this list, but Finlay Donovan is Killing It is surprisingly funny and lighthearted- I had so much fun reading it! Finlay is an entertaining character and you just have to laugh at the situations that she continuously finds herself in. I am so glad that the book is being adapted!
Boyfriend Material is another book that I loved on audio and the banter between Luc and Oliver is my favourite thing. These two men could not be more different but they have great chemistry and balance one another so well.
I just finished The Heart Principle, and while it does touch on some deeper topics, I found myself smiling throughout! I already loved Quan from the other books in the series and I instantly fell in love with Anna. Quan and Anna really grow together and I loved seeing them learn about one another and themselves. It was just so sweet!
There is so much cake and banter in Battle Royal it is impossible for it not to put a smile on your face. It revolves around a TV show that is inspired by The Great British Bake Off and it gives you the same warm fuzzies. This is another grump + sunshine romance, which pretty much always makes me happy!
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is a book I do not talk about enough on this blog, especially when you considered how many times I have recommended it to people in my real life. Be warned that it is sad at first but slowly grows more joyful, and it takes place at a bookstore, which automatically puts a smile on my face!
Miss Meteor is another underrated book and I appreciated how it looked at friendship. There is something about stories that center around a beauty pageant that are always fun to me! There are definitely conflicts in this story, but I love how it ended and the touches of magical realism were compelling.
Do I talk about The Humans too much? I had to include it on this list! It is really a look at humanity and it is sweet in its own way. There are some moving observations and some hilarious moments as an alien learns more and more what it means to be human.
Everything that Becky Chambers writes could be included on this list, but A Psalm for the Wild-Built is the one I read most recently and is fresh on my mind. The characters that Chambers’ create will bring a smile to your face, as will the interactions between them. I never knew that I needed a story about the meeting of a tea monk and a robot, but here we are!
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Thank you for such good mentionss
Aah, just looking at that cover for The Heart Principle is enough to make me smile big! 😍 I can’t wait to settle in with that book and binge it in a day LOL I’m also really excited to read Battle Royal cos I’ve heard so many amazing things about it. Great list!
Both The Heart Principle and Battle Royal are perfect one day reads!!
I adored A Psalm for the Wild-Built. I hope the sequel comes out soon.
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-books-guaranteed-to-put-a-smile-on-your-face/
I don’t think we get a sequel until next July. Such a long wait!!
my contrary mary is really amazing, and i laughed so much while reading it!
i’m so glad to hear good things about the psalm of the wild-built; i recently got a copy and am so excited for it!!
The humour is My Contrary Mary is exactly my thing!
Thank you for this list Kristin. I was in need of some recommendations for such books.
Same! I read a lot of sad books, so I’m always looking for happier ones to break it up!
I feel the same way for romance as my go to genre for lighter/happier reads. Great list!
Exactly! I have really embraced romance over the last few years.
Great list! I really want to pick up The Humans!
My post!
The Humans is such a delightful book!
I have Matt Haig on my list too, though for a different book. I’m going to check out The Humans for sure! Thank you for bringing on the smiles :):)
There is something special about Matt Haig’s writing!
I’m happy to hear someone else had difficulty with this seemingly easy to make list! 😂 Most of my reads are intense histfic! It was tough to come up with 10 lighter reads!
Right!? It was definitely a challenge! I don’t know what that says about us 😂😂😂
Even my light books have heavy themes! 😂😂😂
Boyfriend Material was amazing!
I recently picked up The Storied Life of AJ Fikry, and hope to get to read it soon.
When you get the chance, I hope you can pop over to my post: https://readbakecreate.com/10-books-with-yellow-covers/
I said the same thing on my blog. These kinds of prompts always make me realize how heavy my reading usually is. I definitely need some lighter reads in my life!
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I really need to read the latest Chambers, I love her hopeful/ optimistic brand of SF!
Same! No one does it like Becky Chambers does!
The Heart Principle is one I want to read really soon!
It’s fantastic. I couldn’t put it down!
I need to read it soon then!
So many fun books on your list. I have Boyfriend Material on my kindle, and I need to get to it!
You really do! It was so much fun and I flew through it!
Great list, I really must read Humans. I’ve just read the Comfort book, it’s like a hug 🥰