I love reading and I am always in the middle of at least 1 book (usually 3 or 4) and I have a forever long list of books that I am waiting to read.  I just can’t seem to get through them fast enough.  Lately a few people have asked me for some recommendations, so I thought I would I share just a few of my favorites.  Of course all 7 Harry Potter’s and Pride and Prejudice are always at the top of this list, but who hasn’t read them.

1. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows – Ok the title is a mouthful, but this book is seriously great.  I read it for a book club a few years ago and we all loved it.  Set just after World War II and comprised of letters written back and forth between a London novelist and the resident’s of the tiny island of Guernsey.  It was absolutely delightful!  Just kidding, that didn’t really sound like me.  But really, it was fun to fall in love with these “Islanders” along with Juliet and learn more about them and their island and how they were affected by the German occupation.
2. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton – I seriously love all Kate Morton books, but this one is my favorite (followed closely by The Secret Keeper).  It pulled me in right away, and I loved how each chapter switched around to different times and places as the story unfolded.  I loved the characters, I cared about them and felt for them.  I loved unraveling the mystery.  I just really loved this book.  I also can’t wait for her next book to come out in October.
3. Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson – I could not put this book down from the moment I started it.  This is similar to Jane Austen, in that is a Regency England love story, but kind of simpler and more modern.  There are of course a few cheesy parts, as I have found is very common for this genre, and it wasn’t the most realistic, but still very enjoyable.  Definitely one of my favorites for this genre.
4. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy –  Takes place in England and Paris during the French Revolution about a man who risks his life to save those destined for the guillotine.  But also light hearted and endearing, as London and Paris try and figure out just who the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel is.  I also really love the movie version, even though it combines the plot from 3 different Pimpernel books. “Sink me”
5. Sorcery & Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer – Sort of a combination of Jane Austen and Harry Potter.  In that it takes place in Regency England and has magic.  So how could I not love it.   I think the first time I read it I was a little bit confused over a few of the magic parts of it, not being familiar with the world she created.  Also another one with letters, because I do tend to enjoy books written in letter format.  And it’s a YA, so a bit lighter.

After making this list I want to go and reread all of these books right now.  And after writing this post I realized that I obviously love English historical chick lit.  And I know that I am pretty much the only person on the planet who feels this way… that is why it is such a very small market with very few options to choose from…