What makes a comfort read? For me, it is a tone or a vibe. It is not something I can put into words- it is more of a feeling. I think once you see the books on this list you will understand what I mean! They are often romance or light fantasy and they are usually low stakes.
Legends and Lattes is the ultimate comfort reads. It is a book that I find myself constantly recommending to readers of all genres. Doesn’t the cover alone give you that cozy feeling? This is a light fantasy following a retired orc barbarian who opens a coffee shop and there is a sapphic romance. It is the sweetest thing!
Part of Your World is my favourite romance, so I had to include it on this list. The small town setting brings me so much comfort, and it has an amazing cast of characters, which includes farm animals! Just thinking about this book brings a smile to my face.
I had to include a Pride and Prejudice retelling on this list and A Certain Appeal is one of my most recent favourites. It is set at a burlesque club in New York and I thought it was such a gem. The ending is what gives me comfort because it does something that is not in the original story but is super satisfying!
Practical Magic is my favourite witchy series and everything about this is comforting and nostalgic for me. These characters feel like friends, especially since we see them throughout the seconds in different books in the series. I love the atmosphere and the magic and the familial relationships!
Who knew that SciFi could be so comforting? No one writes SciFi in quite the same way as Becky Chambers. While I love everything she has written, A Psalm for the Wild-Built is the one I would consider the sweetest and could see myself turning to time and time again.
Foodie romances are my comfort reads, and Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake is one I read recently that stood out to me! While Rosaline can be frustrating to read about, I loved seeing her growth and getting the behind the scenes of what goes on in a show like The Great British Bake Off was delightful. Also, the love interest is such a cinnamon roll!
Another Pride and Prejudice retelling!? I had to! This one is a cozy mystery. I had so much fun with Pride and Premeditation and it was interesting to see these beloved characters wrapped up in a murder mystery!
Sweethand is another food romance, but I couldn’t not include it. It has many of the tropes I look for in a comfort read- a lot of food descriptions, an adorable cat, a tropical setting, enemies to lovers, a wedding, etc.
The Eyre Affair is the first book in a unique series following Thursday Next, a literary detective. She follows a criminal into the pages of Jane Eyre and may or may not end up changing the story in the process. It is such a great time and I also thought that the romance was super sweet!
I think the entire Inspector Gamache series has the potential to become a comfort read. I really enjoyed the first book, especially in terms of the setting. It is just so Canadian! There is something so cozy and nostalgic about Still Life, even though it is a murder mystery.
What does a comfort read mean to you?
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Gamache is OF COURSE a comfort read–around the murder that is. Gosh! Wish I’d thought of that!! Well done.
I actually had another book listed and then Gamache came to me and I had to change it!
Legends & Lattes is such a comfort read! I love a low-stakes book with a cozy setting for a comfort read. I often turn to small town romances.
I have been on the hunt for a book similar to Legends and Lattes since I read it!
Me too! It feels very unique but I want there to be more like it!
I adored A Psalm for the Wild-Built. Did you know there’s a sequel coming out next month?
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-comfort-reads/
Yes! I cannot wait! It is probably my most anticipated book of the year!
Agree completely with your definition of a comfort read! It reminds me of the German word Heimat – it loosely means home but it’s where your heart is: based on feeling. I’m reading If Cats Ruled The World by Genki Kawamura. Definitely worth a read!
Aw, I love that! That is exactly it! I have had my eye on If Cats Ruled the World because I love anything with cats, but it is so good to know that it fits into this category. Thank you!
Ah, I love love love it 😍 I also had Psalm for the Wild-Built and Legends & Lattes on my list today! Definitely amazing comfort reads.
As you read the Gamache series, you’ll notice that Three Pines becomes a symbol for safety and acceptance….. truly comforting!
Great list 👌
Such a great list. Legend and Lattes!! Yes, I really want to re-read that one again!
My Top Ten!
Me too! And I am not a big rereader!
I really want to read Practical Magic after loving the film! Thanks for reminding me 🙂
FangirlFlax @ FangirlFlax
https://fangirlflax.wordpress.com/2022/05/31/top-ten-tuesday-five-comfort-read-qualities/
I just adore that entire series!
I definitely need to give it a go!
I feel the same way about my comfort reads. They’re often romance and/or light fantasy. You have a great list of books here.
Thank you! I need to find some more light fantasy!
Great list! I’ve heard so many good things about Legends and Lattes. Definitely want to read it soon!
It’s my ultimate comfort book for sure!
I love the Inspector Gamache series! I can totally see how those could be comfort reads.
For sure!! I can’t wait to read more in the series!
Nice list, Kristin. I’m a huge fan of Part of Your World and A Certain Appeal.
Me too! Exactly the kinds of romances I love!
I just hauled Still Life! I’m excited to get into it!