Recommendations based on "Can't Wait to Get to Heaven: A Novel"

“A charmer. Will beguile an hour of your time and put you in touch with mankind.” —New York Times Newly reissued with an introduction by Plum Sykes, this cult favorite is a delightful diary—think Nancy Mitford–meets–Nora Ephron—chronicling author Helene Hanff’s “bucket list” trip to London (at the age of fifty-five!) after the unexpected success of her memoir 84 Charing Cross Road.  When she’s invited to London for the English publication of her wildly successful book, 84 Charing Cross Road—in which she shares two decades of correspondence with Frank Doel, a British bookseller who became a dear friend—New York writer Helene Hanff is thrilled to realize a lifelong dream. The trip will be bittersweet, because she can’t help wishing Frank was still alive, but she’s determined to capture every moment of the journey. Helene’s time in London exceeds her wildest expectations. She visits landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle; explores Shakespeare’s favorite pub, Dickens’s house, and the Oxford University courtyard where John Donne used to walk; and makes a host of new friends from all walks of life, who take her to the theater, introduce her to institutions like Harrod’s, and share with her their favorite corners of countryside. A love letter to England and its literary heritage, written by a Manhattanite who isn’t afraid to speak her mind (or tell a British barman how to make a real American martini), The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street is an endearing account of two wildly different worlds colliding; it’s an outsider’s witty, vibrant portrait of idiosyncratic British culture at its best, as well as a profound commentary about the written word’s power to sustain us, transport us, and unite us.

‘Feisty and fabulous. Love it. Love Tracy Bloom!’ Milly Johnson‘Pure Joy!’ Katie Fforde‘Love this – just the pick me up I needed!’ Jo Thomas'Guaranteed to put a smile on your face.' Debbie Johnson‘It's laugh out loud!’ Adele ParksCathy Collins is a mum on a mission – to change her life.When her husband drops a midlife-crisis bombshell,Cathy decides it’s time to take control.No more laundry, teenage tantrums or housework.After years of putting herself last, she’s going to be first for a change.Cathy Collins is carving a new path, and nothing is going to get in her way…From No.1 bestselling author Tracy Bloom, The Wife Who Got a Lifeperfectly captures the joyous chaos of family life.Readers love The Wife Who Got a Life!‘This is the literary equivalent of meeting your closest girlfriends for a coffee and a gossip… So, so, so funny, I genuinely laughed out loud for the majority of this blooming marvellous, inspirational diary’, Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘I absolutely loved this book. No doubt about it… at least a 6 out of 5!’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Peppered with fantastically humorous episodes, as well as much more serious issues, The Wife Who Got a Life is a brilliant read, and the cast of characters are a joy too’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘It wasn’t long before I was so engrossed in it that I couldn’t put it down… I loved this book’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘This book is funny, totally relatable and made me laugh out loud, shed a tear in parts as well as the “yes I can identify with that” moments.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘A five star read that I absolutely loved.’‘Tracy Bloom has the lightest of touches with the deepest of understanding.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Where has [Tracy Bloom] been all my life, another author to add to my growing list of authors to keep an eye out for.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘I really loved this book, so funny and life affirming.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Very funny, with a few tears, thoroughly recommended.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Hilarious, touching and really laugh out loud!!’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘A fab read which you don't want to put down.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Just like catching up with a good friend that you want to catch up with.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘What a fantastic story! I absolutely loved the characters but especially Cathy – I empathised and rooted for her all through the book.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘What is utterly brilliant about this book is that the story is real… the things that happen are the things that happen to all of us. Like arguing with siblings (in your head) and facing the reality of ageing parents.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars‘Great story not least because it made me realize I’m not alone.’ Amazon reviewer, 5 stars

“A beautiful debut, funny, tender, and animated by a willingness to confront life’s obstacles and find a way to survive. . . . It celebrates friendship, finds meaning in difficulty and lets the reader explore dark places while always allowing for the possibility of light. Lenni and Margot are fine companions for all our springtime journeys.”—Harper’s Bazaar, UK  A charming, fiercely alive and disarmingly funny debut novel in the vein of John Green, Rachel Joyce, and Jojo Moyes—a brave testament to the power of living each day to the fullest, a tribute to the stories that we live, and a reminder of our unlimited capacity for friendship and love. An extraordinary friendship. A lifetime of stories.  Seventeen-year-old Lenni Pettersson lives on the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. Though the teenager has been told she’s dying, she still has plenty of living to do. Joining the hospital’s arts and crafts class, she meets the magnificent Margot, an 83-year-old, purple-pajama-wearing, fruitcake-eating rebel, who transforms Lenni in ways she never imagined. As their friendship blooms, a world of stories opens for these unlikely companions who, between them, have been alive for one hundred years. Though their days are dwindling, both are determined to leave their mark on the world. With the help of Lenni’s doting palliative care nurse and Father Arthur, the hospital’s patient chaplain, Lenni and Margot devise a plan to create one hundred paintings showcasing the stories of the century they have lived—stories of love and loss, of courage and kindness, of unexpected tenderness and pure joy. Though the end is near, life isn’t quite done with these unforgettable women just yet. Delightfully funny and bittersweet, heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot reminds us of the preciousness of life as it considers the legacy we choose to leave, how we influence the lives of others even after we’re gone, and the wonder of a friendship that transcends time. From the beautiful cover to the heart-warming story, The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot is a book that will touch your soul and make you appreciate the beauty of life. This literary fiction novel is one of the best books of all time, and it's perfect for anyone who loves novels about love, grief, and friendship.

You will adore this heartwarming, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from bestelling author Christie Barlow! ‘Full of warmth, fun and feel-good factor’ Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde Welcome to the Little Rock marina – where hearts are healed and dreams are made... For the last two years Nell Andrews has been struggling to stay afloat. As her life tumbled down around her, the only safety net has been her cosy canal boat, The Nollie. Tucked away inside, Nell has found a place to heal her broken heart. And now she’s ready to move on and follow her dream... Gorgeous Guy Cornish, with his easy Irish charm, makes him an instant hit with everyone at the marina, and the perfect person to help Nell with her project. But Guy has his own reasons for being at the marina, and a past that threatens to sink Nell’s dream... What readers are saying about The Cosy Canal Boat Dream: ‘The queen of heartwarming fiction’ Bella Osborne ‘What a gorgeous romance – fun, poignant and surprising’ Sunday Times bestseller Michele Gorman ‘My favourite Christie Barlow book of all time...perfect for when you want to be lost in a cuddle of a book’ Rachel’s Random Reads ‘Christie Barlow's best book yet...Phenomenal’ The Writing Garnet ‘Delightfully warm with plenty of twists and turns’ Mama Life Magazine ‘An absolute joy to read and full of surprises...one of the best writers in this genre’ The Book Review Cafe

‘A true page-turner’ Chat Monthly ‘Emotional, humorous and heartening, Julie Shackman knows how to bring the feel-good factor to fiction’ Woman’s Weekly Escape to the Scottish Highlands with a brand new spring romance from bestselling author, Julie Shackman Determined to overcome a family tragedy, Elle Cassidy decides to reopen her late mother’s ailing newsagent as a stationery shop in the quiet Scottish town of Fir Haven. But when the arrogant yet handsome crime writer Dexter Grayling almost runs over Elle in his beast of a sports car, the town is thrown into a tailspin – especially when Dexter claims that local resident Linda Carlucci has put a curse on him and he is no longer able to write. Can Elle put aside her dislike for the self-absorbed writer and help Dexter uncover what is really going on with the Carlucci family? And in the process will Elle realise that there’s a lot more to her beloved Fir Haven than she first thought... ‘This delightful romance is a perfect slice of escapism nestled in the Scottish Highlands’ Woman’s Own For fans of Donna Ashcroft, Jane Linfoot and Rachael Lucas. Readers have escaped to the country, will you be next? ‘A lovely sweet romance... impossible to put down’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Very enjoyable read with interesting characters and a beautiful setting’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Julie Shackman knows how to tell a great story... interesting twists [and] the characters steal your heart’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A nice next to the fireplace read with a glass of wine’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I absolutely loved the storyline... thoroughly recommend’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved every page’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Set in a lovely Scottish village... it had the perfect ending’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A story about forgiveness, healing and not judging others... you will fall in love with Fir Haven and its characters and this story will touch your heart in unexpected ways’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A heart-warming and funny romance with fab characters’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A great read. Highly recommend’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Quirky storyline and the characters made it all better’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Intriguing... an easy and warm read’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A charming and nostalgic read, perfect for fans of Coronation Street and readers who love stories set in wartime. They've waited a long time to be together After years of war, the residents of Coronation Street are looking forward to saying goodbye to rations books, blackouts and bombs. However, life is slow to change and they are still waiting for the good times to return. Ida Barlow thought she was happy to have her husband back from the war. Frank can't understand that his wife has no intention of giving up her new independence to wait on him hand and foot. Wendy Collins, a new arrival to the street, wants a fresh start, but struggles to fit in to her teaching job at the local school. Elsie Tanner's latest fella has put a spring in her step. She thinks the rest of the street need a pick-me-up too, and they are soon planning a trip to Blackpool. The folk of Coronation Street have waited a long time to let their hair down will sticks of rock and kiss-me-quick hats be enough to bring them all together again? Praise for Maggie Sullivan: 'A wonderfully nostalgic tale' Choice Magazine 'A must read' Amazon 'A real page-turner' Amazon 'A wonderful trip down memory lane' Goodreads

Laughter and wedding bells ring as #1 New York Times bestselling author Jan Karon takes her millions of fans behind the scenes of the most cherished event in Mitford history.Mitford’s Lord’s Chapel is the home to the most joyful event in years: the wedding of Father Tim Kavanagh and Cynthia Coppersmith. Here at last is A Common Life, and the long-awaited answers to these deeply probing questions: Will Father Tim fall apart when he takes his vows? Will Cynthia make it to the church on time? Who will arrange the flowers and bake the wedding cake? And will Uncle Billy’s prayers for a great joke be answered in time for the reception?From Dooley Barlowe, to Miss Sadie and Louella, to Emma Newland, the mayor, everybody who’s anybody will be there celebrating in the little town with the big heart.A Common Life is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, Christmas, anniversaries, and for a bride or groom to give to his or her beloved. In truth, it’s perfect for anyone who believes in laughter, relies on hope, and celebrates love.

‘Be whisked away in this sunny, heartwarming read’ Woman’s Own ‘I adored it’ Milly Johnson ‘Enchanting and wonderfully romantic’ Cathy Bramley ‘I adored it. The perfect summer read!’ Lesley Pearse Grace Quinn loves her job at Cohen’s Convenient Storage Company, finding occasional treasure in the forgotten units that customers have abandoned. Her inquisitive nature is piqued when a valuable art collection and a bundle of letters and diaries are found that date back to the 1930s. Delving deeper, Grace uncovers the story of a young English woman, Connie Levine, who follows her heart to Italy at the end of the Second World war. The contents also offer up the hope of a new beginning for Grace, battling a broken heart and caring for her controlling mother. Embarking on her own voyage of discovery, Grace’s search takes her to a powder pink villa on the cliff tops overlooking the Italian Riviera, but will she unravel the family secrets and betrayals that Connie tried so hard to overcome, and find love for herself?

'Beautiful and emotional' Sue Moorcroft'A moving, warm and comforting read' Jennie Godfrey'Tender and moving, The Forgotten Book Club is one to treasure' Celia Anderson'A wonderfully uplifting celebration of community and the joy of books' Annie Lyons-------------------------- Life can begin with a single story. You just have to Bring Your Own Book... For three decades, Grace supported her husband Frank's passion for books, despite not being a reader herself. Since his passing, their shelves echo longingly, and Grace's heartache has only grown.When Grace's grandson suggests joining Frank's old book club to feel closer to him again, Grace reluctantly agrees. Yet, upon arrival, she discovers this isn't a typical book club: here, members settle in for an hour of reading... in silence.Disappointed by the sparse attendance and confused by the lack of chatter, Grace flees. But when fellow member, Annie, convinces her to stay, Grace is determined to ensure that neither Frank - nor his beloved book club - are forgotten.And as she breathes new life into the group, Grace might just find this is where she truly belongs. Because this next chapter of life could just be the beginning of her story... The perfect story for book lovers everywhere. Ideal for fans of Sally Page and Evie Woods. Readers and authors have fallen in love with Kate Storey: 'A gorgeous story full of emotion and a very special library.' - Evie Woods, bestselling author of The Lost Bookshop'An absolute joy to read. Uplifting, beautiful, and perfect for any book lovers!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A lovely story that celebrates books, family and kindness. Touching and beautiful.' - Hazel Prior, bestselling author of Away with the Penguins 'The Memory Library delivers on its promise of hope, friendship and second chances. It's a love letter to the written word.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The Memory Library is so joyful. Kate Storey writes from the heart and the gut about mistakes and how we can learn from them. Great characters and a truly heartwarming story - I loved it!' - Laura Pearson, author of #1 Kindle bestseller The Last List of Mabel Beaumont'A powerful and poignant story. There were tears shed.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A gorgeous novel that pairs my (and many people's) perennial love for books about books with themes of family - and just how complex they can be.' - Platinum'I laughed out loud and had more than one glassy eye!' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'An utterly gorgeous page turner about the power of books, family and forgiveness.' - Phaedra Patrick, The Library of Lost and Found'A real treasure for booklovers everywhere who completely appreciate the joy, knowledge and healing that books can bring.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'The Memory Library is a magical story...It's a magnificent celebration of the wonderful world of books and libraries - one to treasure and re-read over and over again!' - Celia Anderson, author of USA Today bestseller 59 Memory Lane'There's page after page of wonderful wisdom in this novel.' Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A beautiful, poignant tale of family, friendship and the power of books. I was completely swept away.' - Kindle bestseller Annie Lyons

Another enchanting, romantic novel, following the fortunes of the characters from her bestselling Going the Distance. Jemima Carlisle started by having a bad month -- being made redundant, having nowhere to live, worrying about her bankrupt father. Her decision to take up village life, rent a room in the local vicar's house, and work at the local cafe did not work out as the peaceful life she had thought. The village was a centre for stables, with a couple of Grand National favourites -- and Jemima hated horses for a very personal reason. And the enterprise of opening a local bookshop led her straight into village controversy. The target of one group's fatwa, the sharer of the vicar's wife's dark secrets, the piggy in the middle of a tempestuous relationship might have been enough for Jemima, but the arrival of her father with some new money-making scam, and the attempts by various local talents among the jockeys to alter her views on horse-racing, made her realise that one should never jump to conclusions.