“You only need one ray of light to chase all the shadows away.”
Sometimes, the best kind of book is one that feels like a warm hug – offering comfort, joy, and an escape from life’s worries. Whether you’re going through a tough time or simply craving a comfort read, heartwarming books have a special ability to lift spirits. Today at What We Reading, we’re sharing our favourite comforting books that provide warmth, feel-good stories and a touch of magic when you need it most. From uplifting novels about love and friendship to wholesome books that bring a smile to your face, these stories promise to wrap you in their warmth. Perfect for readers who love cosy fiction, and lighthearted books or just need a little literary escape, these picks guarantee to feel like a hug, provide a moment of rest and brighten your day.
The Reading List – Sara Nisha Adams
Kicking off our list of the best comforting books comes from Sara Nisha Adams with The Reading List. The story follows Mukesh, a lonely widower from London, struggling to navigate life after the loss of his beloved wife. His world starts to change when he discovers a crumpled reading list in his local library, full of classic book recommendations.
Meanwhile, Aleisha, a troubled teenager working at the library, happens upon the same list. Initially sceptical, she begins reading the books and unexpectedly finds comfort in their stories. As she recommends them to Mukesh, the two of them form an unlikely friendship, bonding over literature and the emotions they evoke. As they progress through the list, they discover that books have the power to offer hope, escape and understanding. The Reading List is a poignant, uplifting novel about grief, friendship and the transformative power of storytelling – perfect for anyone who believes in the healing power of books.
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman
A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming novel about an irritable yet endearing curmudgeon who takes an unexpected turn. Ove, a grumpy yet principled widower, lives a quiet, structured life, enforcing neighbourhood rules and keeping to himself. However, under his gruff exterior, lies a man grappling with profound loneliness after losing his beloved wife, Sonja.
His carefully ordered world is disrupted when a lively young family moves in next door, led by the spirited and persistent Parvaneh. Despite his initial reluctance, she and her family gradually break down Ove’s walls, pulling him into their lives with humour, kindness and determination. As Ove begrudgingly helps his neighbours, his tragic past unravels, revealing a story of love, loss and resilience. With humour and deep emotion, A Man Called Ove is a moving tale of unexpected friendships, second chances and the power of connection – demonstrating how even the grumpiest hearts can find warmth again.
Check Out The Best Books Like A Man Called Ove
The Tea Dragon Society (Tea Dragon #1) – Kay O’Neill
The Tea Dragon Society is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel about friendship, tradition and the magic of small, everyday moments. The story follows Grea, a young blacksmith apprentice who happens a lost tea dragon – tiny, gentle creatures that sprout tea leaves from their horns, infused with the memories of their caretakers.
Intrigued, Greta is introduced to the world of tea dragons by Hesekiel and Erik, the kindhearted guardians of this rare and fading tradition. She also befriends Minette, a shy but curious girl with a mysterious past. As Greta learns to care for the tea dragons, she discovers the value of patience, storytelling and preserving traditions whilst forging new connections. Featuring stunning artwork and a comforting, slice-of-life narrative, The Tea Dragon Society is a book that feels like a warm hug, celebrating kindness, chosen family and the beauty of slowing down.
Lessons In Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus
Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry is a witty, empowering book about resilience, breaking barriers and the unexpected ways we find our voice. Set in the 1960s, the story orbits around Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist whose career is constantly undermined by sexism from the male-dominated scientific industry. Despite her obvious talent, she finds herself routinely sidelined and dismissed – until life takes a very unexpected turn.
After a series of events, Elizabeth becomes the unlikely host of Supper at Six, a revolutionary cooking show. Except, she doesn’t just teach women how to cook meals – she teaches them about the science behind cooking, encouraging them to challenge social norms and think for themselves. Her unconventional approach attracts both controversy and admiration, but Elizabeth remains unwavering in her quest to spread knowledge, equality and personal fulfilment.
Check Out The Best Books Like Lessons In Chemistry
The Switch – Beth O’Leary
The Switch follows Leena Cotton, a driven young woman in London who is forced into taking a two-month sabbatical after burning out at work. Elsewhere, her grandmother, Eileen, is feeling stuck in her quiet Yorkshire village after her husband leaves her. On a whim, the two decide to swap lives – Leena moves to the countryside, taking over her grandmother’s community responsibilities, whilst Eileen heads to London in search of a second chance at love.
As they navigate their new worlds, both women form unexpected friendships, face personal challenges and learn that change, no matter how daunting, can be exactly what they need. Brimming with humour, heart and a wonderful cast of characters, The Switch is one of the best comforting books about love, family and the importance of embracing new experiences – perfect for fans of cosy, uplifting reads.
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The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches – Sangu Mandanna
In The Very Secrety of Irregular Witches, Sangu Mandanna tells a warm, whimsical story about found family, self-acceptance and a little magic. Mika Moon is one of the few witches in Britain and, like all witches, she’s been raised to keep her magic a secret. Lonely but consigned with her isolated life, she finds solace in sharing her magic online – assuming that no one will take her seriously.
But, when an unexpected invitation arrives, asking her to tutor three young witches at the mysterious Nowhere House, Mika leaps at the opportunity. There, she meets the colourful residents of the household, as well as the fiercely protective librarian, Jamie. Brimming with warmth, humour and romance, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a cosy, magical novel about love, home and the joys of being truly seen. One of the best books like The House in the Cerulean Sea and Practical Magic, it’s a comforting book about finding the place you truly belong.
The Keeper Of Lost Things – Ruth Hogan
The Keeper of Lost Things is a heartwarming tale about loss, memory and the surprising ways objects connect us. The story follows Anthony Peardew, a man who has spent years collecting lost items in an effort to atone for a mistake from his past. After his death, his assistant, Laura, is tasked with returning the lost objects to their rightful owners.
As Laura sets out on this journey, she discovers the hidden stories behind each item, from an abandoned glove to a forgotten key, and slowly begins to unravel her own life. Along the way, she befriends a colourful group of characters, each wrestling with their own losses and searching for meaning. A charming blend of romance, mystery and growth, The Keeper of Lost Things is one of the best comforting books about how we find our way back to the things – and people – that matter most.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is a quirky and profoundly moving novel about loneliness, healing and the transformative power of human connection. Eleanor Oliphant is an eccentric, socially awkward woman working a rigid routine and enjoying a life that appears perfectly ordinary. She spends her days working in a dull office, avoiding social interactions and keeping to herself.
However, when Eleanor begins to reach out to others – beginning with Raymond, her kindhearted colleague, and Sammy, an elderly man in need of help – her world slowly starts to shift. As she opens up to these new relationships, she is forced to confront her troubled past and the deep emotional wounds she’s been hiding. With wit, empathy and humour, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine is a moving and uplifting story about overcoming isolation, embracing vulnerability and discovering that it is never too late to start things fresh.
Before The Coffee Gets Cold – Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a beautifully written, poignant novel that explores the themes of love, regret and second chances. Set in a small cafe in Tokyo, the story centres on a mysterious, magical chair that allows customers to travel back in time. However, strict rules are attached to this: they can only visit the past for a short time and must sit in a chair before the coffee gets cold.
The novel follows four different characters, all with different personal longings to visit a moment from their past. From a woman wanting to say goodbye to her husband to a daughter seeking answers about her mother, each person’s journey is a deeply emotional and heartfelt exploration of what might have been. Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a tender and meditative novel about love, loss and the fleeting nature of time. With its gentle pace and warm characters, it reminds readers that, whilst we can’t change the past, we can still find meaning in the present.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
