Joyful Fictional Books

My recent picks for light fiction. I enjoy reading stories that are uplifting and end on a joyful note. But I particularly appreciate books that feature subtle wit.

I found this book through a free trial of Kindle Unlimited and was super surprised by how good it was. As with most of my experiences with books I’ve found on Kindle Unlimited, I’ve had less than greater results. This historical novel is set in the south of France, just before the outbreak of World War II, when Mrs. Endicott was recently abandoned by her husband for a flashy young woman. Instead of succumbing to self-pity, she decides that she can finally be free from washing her husband’s underwear and making his dinners to go and, instead, find a new adventure for herself. She sets off with two ladies from her village to find a new life. The book covers six years and ends as World War II comes to a close. I enjoyed this book, as it had humor and a happy ending for the main character.

I have returned to this series for the second time because of its lighthearted world. The Mitford series has a way of drawing the reader into another town and place, getting you personally invested in the characters’ development. The main character, Father Tim, is a kind-hearted person who becomes deeply involved in people’s lives due to his gentle nature. The characters in this series are colorful and well-developed and expand through the sixteen books so that you feel like they are your friends or next-door neighbors. In this book, Father Tim reflects on his life so far and his purpose in life as he suffers a health crisis. The village gathers around him to support and encourage the retired father in his darkest hour.