Recommended by Amy, one of our adult reference librarians.

Check our other Fave Five lists, too!

Come and Tell Me Some Lies

by Raffaella Barker
Barkers first novel is a glimpse at a delightfully bohemian, dysfunctional family living in Norfolk, England. The plot is sometimes sad and poignant but also very touching and funny. This book reminded me of I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith with the storyline of the eccentric dreamer father and his relationship with his family.

Every Woman for Herself

by Trisha Ashley
Recently divorced from her slimy husband, Charlotte Rhymer moves back to northern England to live with her quirky family (all of whom were named after the Bronte family because her bizarre fathers obsession). Charlotte (aka Charlie) bounces back by starting her own periodical Skint Old Northern Woman and taking up with the local celebrity, Mace North. Ashley is such a brilliant author that I wanted to board a plane to England and have her autograph my copy.

Hens Dancing

by Raffaella Barker
Spunky Venetia Summers, having shed faithless husband moves from London to the Norfolk countryside to start a new life with her three children. In diary format, lucky readers follow her through an entire year of dealing with ex-husbands, horrid stepmothers, plucky children and an ancient stove (the Aga) that isnt always dependable. Barker is so funny and witty that she actually makes single-parenting sound like fun.

Bridget Joness Diary

by Helen Fielding
Fieldings book has been made famous by the movie starring Renee Zellweger as the zany Bridget Jones and her never ending quest for a boyfriend and weight loss. I actually liked the book better than the movie and I especially enjoyed the fantastic performance by Barbara Rosenblat on the Audiobook version.

Can You Keep a Secret?

by Sophie Kinsella
Emma Corrigan, on a flight back to her office after a disastrous company meeting, tells all of her innermost secrets to the stranger sitting next to her. The horrified Emma finds out that the stranger is actually the CEO of her company and the fun starts there. This book probably wouldnt be a candidate for a book discussion, but its hilariously funny and full of wit, irony and terrific characters. Its a good example of why I like Brit chick-lit everyone needs an escape to another world now and then.