Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books

This list of feel-good books contains some of my absolute favorites. These are uplifting books that make you happy when you finish the last page. After all, reading a book that makes you happy is always a great idea. I hope you love this list as much as we do!

Feel-Good Books

What makes these feel-good books? That feeling when you turn the last page and your heart feels full- that’s a feel-good book. This is a perfect list to add to your TBR. If you are looking for the best Feel Good Nonfiction Books, check out my list.

These feel-good books are not all smooth sailing but they uplift your spirits and may restore your faith in humanity. Sometimes you just need a book that will make you smile and these books fit the bill. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

The Best Feel-Good Books

Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of feel-good books. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.

Best New Feel-Good Novels

Joe Nuthins Guide to Life

Author: Helen Fisher

Year: 2024

Genre: Feel Good Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Joe-Nathan is neurodivergent and lives his life being a good friend, following the rules, and following the advice his mother writes for him in notebooks. He goes to work and slowly learns how to make friends and accept friendship in return. He also learns that he can do the hardest things with the help of good friends.

Physical abuse

I loved Joe Nathan and his view of life. His character grew so much and I loved taking the journey with him. My heart ached and burst simultaneously in this wonderful book. #gifted

Find this book in: Feel-Good Books / August 2024 Book Releases / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / The Best Books of 2024

Well Prescribe You a Cat

Author: Syou Ishida

Year: 2024

Genre: Fiction

More info: Translated by E. Madison Shimoda

Age Range: 14+

The Kokoro Clinic for the Soul can only be found by people who need it (like the room of requirement in Harry Potter). With no address and no markings, the clinic prescribes cats as medication for all ailments. While the patients are confused at first, they grow, change, and find themselves through the love of a cat.

Mental Illness

This a group of delightful stories about the power of love and attention from a cat. Each chapter is distinct characters and can be read quickly as a feel-good pick me up. It is also an adorable little book that feels so good in hand.

Find this book in: Animal Novels / List of Feel-Good Novels / Best Books in Translation

Wishing game

Author: Meg Shaffer

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction

More info: National Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

Jack Masterson is the author behind the Clock Island series, a series of beloved children’s books. Now, years after he was thought to be retired, he has written a new book. There is only one copy of the book that will go to the winner of a contest held on Clock Island.

For Lucy Hart, winning the contest will mean everything to her. It will mean she can finally have the means to adopt Christopher, the little boy that she has grown to love.

This book felt like an adult fairy tale. If you are looking for books about puzzles, this uplifting, feel-good book is the perfect book.

Find this book in: Books About Puzzles / Feel-Good Books

The Mostly True Story

Author: Colleen Oakley

Year: 2023

Genre: Fiction

More info: USA Today Bestselling Author, Good Morning America Buzz Pick

Age Range: 16+

Tanner needs a place to live where she can sit and play video games to her heart’s content since she isn’t allowed to be at her house anymore. Louise Wilt’s daughter thinks she needs a caregiver.

Being Louise’s caregiver seems like the perfect gig for Tanner and the two ignore each other happily. When Tanner starts to notice that Louise has a close resemblance to a jewel thief and Louise suddenly insists on a road trip, their adventure begins. Is Louise the famed jewel thief from years ago?

Domestic Abuse

I absolutely loved this book about thieves- or potential thieves. It was everything I hoped for and more. The relationship between Tanner and Louise develops as the characters develop. The plot is unique and it is a true feel-good book.

Find this book in: Books About Thieves / Jewelry Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books

Fiction Feel-Good Books

How to Age Disgracefully

Author: Clare Pooley

Year: 2024

Genre: Fiction

More info: Best Selling Author

Age Range: 16+

Like Clare Pooley’s previous books, this one has a multi-generational cast of characters that make it utterly delightful and laugh-out-loud funny.

Lydia has a new job running the Senior Citizen’s Social Club and the members are unlike anything she expected. Art is an out-of-work actor, William is a former paparazzi, and Daphne is a 70-year-old who lives alone and talks to her plants. And that is only half of the lively crew. When the City council tries to sell the community center building, the Social Club members enlist the help of the daycare, a teenager, and a dog to save the building.

I read this book in a day. I laughed, I cried, and I applauded. This book made me feel so good. The multi-generational cast of characters makes this book appealing to anyone who loves a great second-chance fiction book. It is about finding yourself and your inner strength (with a side of revenge). And one of our favorite characters from a previous book makes a brief appearance!

Find this book in: Feel Good Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2024 / Best New 2024 Fiction / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024

The Patron Saint of Second Chances

Author: Christine Simon

Year: 2022

Genre: Fiction

More info:

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

The mayor of the Italian town needs money to repair the town’s pipes, so he hatches a plot to drum up business in town by saying a famous movie star is coming to make a movie.

The next thing he knows, he’s having to make an actual movie starring the locals with no experience and the craziest script while keeping up the ruse that the celebrity is coming.

I laughed so hard at scenes in this comedic book that I woke up my sleeping husband. This was a charming book and the perfect vacation read. It is a five-star contemporary fiction book.

I had high hopes for this book and it exceeded my expectations. There were some scenes that were so funny, I still chuckle when I think of them.

Find this book in: Feel-Good Book / Book set in Italy / Best Beach Reads of All Time

Matchmakers gift

Author: Lynda Cohen Loigman

Year: 2022

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: Named Best Book of Fall 2022 by Parade, Buzzfeed, New York Post

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

This is the story of Sara Glikman who in 1910, as a young child, was able to see the glow between her sister and the man who would become her husband. She very quietly arranged their match and many more for years.

Her granddaughter Abby is a divorce attorney who represents some of the biggest divorces in the city. When Sara dies, leaves Abby all of her diaries.

I loved this unexpected book. It is so unique and a pleasure to read. The story is such a wonderful feel-good book. I loved going back and forth seeing both Abby and her grandmother’s stories.

Find this book in: Feel-Good Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Charming Matchmaking Books / Best Books by Jewish Writers and Authors

Anxious People

Author: Fredrik Backman

Year: 2019

Genre: Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Age Range: 16+

Fredrik Backman is a master storyteller and he does it again with this book. ⁣He somehow manages to tackle difficult subjects without trivializing them but still allowing them to be humorous.

This book is a story of a bank robbery gone very wrong and the idiots in the story (his word, not mine) who are taken hostage after the failed robbery. While the police are interviewing each of the hostages to find the robbers, they become more confused after each interview. ⁣It is also a story about compassion, human relationships, and the daily struggles that we all have. ⁣

I love how Fredrik Backman’s books show the good in people despite the flaws that make them human. Backman writes so many different kinds of books but they all have so much heart. Backman weaves themes of love, friendship, and compassion throughout all his books.

Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove / New Year’s Eve Books / Best Beach Reads / Locked Room Mysteries / Best Books of 2020 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Reads / Best Books in Translation

Feel-Good Nonfiction Books

the good neighbor

Author: Maxwell King

Year: 2018

Genre: Nonfiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

This is such an amazing story of an amazing man unlike any other.  He was a man central to the development of educational children’s television. 

Fred was kind, caring, compassionate, and a champion for equality.  He was devoted to children and addressing their educational, social, and emotional needs. I could personally relate to parts of his life during the time when he lived in Toronto. 

This book is so well written and so easy to listen to even though it’s not my usual genre. Levar Burton, from Reading Rainbow, narrates and I love hearing him read. This is one of the best nonfiction books I have ever read.

Find this book in: Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Best Nonfiction Books

come fly the world

Author: Julia Cooke

Year: 2021

Genre: Nonfiction

Age Range: 16+

In this delightful book, I learned about uniforms, training, frolicking adventures, and the glamorous life in the air that had me picturing Gwyneth Paltrow in View From the Top. It also discussed far more serious topics like hijackers, Vietnam War flights and rescues, and issues of discrimination toward women.

War

I learned so much while reading this book and I was swept into the story. Jackie and I talked with Julia about the research of this book, what surprised her most, and other fun things over on IG. Be sure to check it out.

Find this book in: Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Plane Books / Books set in the 70s / Best Nonfiction Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021

The Other Side of the Coin

Author: Angela Kelly

Year: 2019

Genre: Nonfiction

More info: Sunday Times Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

Angela Kelly is the Queen’s headdresser and long-time companion. She details her process for dressing the queen, talks about some of her most iconic looks, and even reveals a few personal stories about her time with Her Majesty.

I had palace fever this month while working on our Royal Reads post, so it’s no surprise that when my library hold for this autobiographical audiobook came through, I dove right into it. I absolutely loved this inside look about life with the Queen. I really felt like I learned about the Queen’s personality through this book.

Find this book in: Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Books about the Royal Family / Good Nonfiction Books for Beginners / Nonfiction Books about Fashion /

Feel-Good Historical Fiction Books

paris bookshop

Author: Nina George

Year: 2015

Genre: Fiction

Age Range: 16+

The story features a floating book apothecary whose owner can meet you and give you a story meant for your soul. When he needs to help his own soul, he sets his boat adrift on the Seine to see where it will take him.

I loved every minute of this lovely contemporary fiction book. I read it before Jackie and am so glad that I was the one to recommend this book to her. The entire premise of this book is delightful.

This is one of my favorite books set in Paris and also one of my favorite books ever. The idea of a literary apothecary plays a big part in what Beyond the Bookends aims to do- Match people with books!

Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in France / Ultimate List of 35+ Feel-Good Books / The Ultimate List of Books About Books / Best Books in Translation

Jane Austen Society

Author: Natalie Jenner

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: International Bestseller

Age Range: 14+

What a wonderful book for historical fiction lovers. Set just after WWII, a group of unlikely friends come together to save Jane Austen’s cottage.

A movie star, a farmer, a doctor, and a widow all have personal struggles to overcome. Over the course of the book, the society is able to save more than just the cottage.

I felt like each of the characters were personal friends by the book’s end. It was a lovely read to rekindle hope perfect for those looking for books about Jane Austen.

I love Jane Austen so this book was right up my alley. The characters are amazing and I love the story of this book.

I could not stop reading this book the minute I picked it up, I fell in love with the characters and the completely original plot line.

Find this book in: Best British Books / Best Books for Book Clubs / Books Like Pride and Prejudice / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021

last summer at the golden hotel

Author: Elyssa Friedland

Year: 2021

Genre: Fiction

More info:Good Morning America Buzz Pick, A Best Beach Read of 2021 from Bustle, A Best Summer Read of 2021 from PopSugar

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Last Summer at the Golden Hotel is all about 2 families who own a resort in the Catskills and are thinking of selling or overhauling the Golden. This is the ultimate in family drama books.

Three generations of the Goldmans and Weismann clans have gathered to make the decision and family secrets are unspooling left and right in the midst of goat yoga, comedy shows, and salon catastrophes.

It was a pleasure to read it while staying at the Hyatt on the Chesapeake and experiencing some resort life of my own.

This book had an amazing cast of characters that made me laugh out loud. I loved the dynamics of the family as they navigated to changes that come after the heydays of family resorts

Find this book in: Best Books of 2021 / Best Books for Book Clubs / Summer Camp Books / Books With Colors in the Title / Books with Summer in the Title / Books Set in the 1960s

Band of Sisters

Author: Lauren Willig

Year: 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Range: 14+

This is an incredible novel about the women of Smith College who went to help French war victims on the war front. The band of 15 women in this novel is based on the 18 real-life heroes of Smith College.⁣

These ladies started from scratch to help those ravaged by war only to have the war come back and destroy the lands around them again. But they never faltered in their quest to help the war-torn villages of women and children impacted by the war.⁣ ⁣

The book gives a well-rounded feeling of what these women needed to do to save the lands and the people and is an emotional pick from books about friends.

This historical fiction is based on real events and had me captivated from the first page. I love the bravery and camaraderie of these amazing women.

The role of women is so often overlooked and so this story about the women of Smith College was enlightening. I loved the characters and the story, but the fact that it was based on real events of WWI made it even better.

Find this book in: Friendship Books / Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / Books Set in France / Best Book Club Books / WWI Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Best Books of 2021 

Best Feel-Good Mysteries

The Maid

Author: Nita Prose

Year: 2022

Genre: Mystery

More info: January 2022 Good Morning America Pick
#1 New York Times Bestseller, EDGAR AWARD Finalist, Anthony Award Winner

Age Range: 14+

Molly Gray works as a maid in a grand hotel and gets joy from leaving things orderly and pristine. Molly struggles with reading social cues and has had even more trouble since her gran can no longer help.

When Molly finds the body of Mr. Black in a room at the hotel, she becomes a prime suspect and will need all her friends to help her. She calls her friend Mr. Preston, the doorman at the hotel, for help. His daughter is a lawyer. Soon it becomes clear that Molly, in her naivete, is involved in a drug scandal as well.

I loved the description of this book and I hoped it would live up to my expectations. It did that and more. I adored every minute of this story and closed the last page smiling. Molly is such a wonderful character who has more depth than is apparent initially.

Find this book in: The Maid Book Club Questions / Books like Lessons in Chemistry / Best Mystery Books / Feel-Good Books / Books for Book Clubs / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters

Dial A fo Aunties

Author: Jessie Q Sutano

Year: 2021

Genre: mystery romance

More info: Aunties Book 1 of 3
NPR’s Best Books of 2021

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Meddelin Chen has an amazing, meddling Chinese-Indonesian family. Meddelin and her four Aunts run a wedding business together. When Meddelin accidentally kills her date and he ends up in a cooler at a wedding with two thousand people, what can go wrong? Did I mention that the wedding also happens to be at a hotel where her ex-boyfriend and love works?

Netflix is adapting this comedy of errors and if it is anything like the book, it will be amazing too.

Murder, Car accident, Assault

I heard great things about this romantic comedy/ murder mystery mashup. It sounds like the weirdest combo, right? This book had me laughing out loud. The characters are flawed which makes them even more loveable, and the absolute chaos is hilarious.

Find this book in: Family Drama Books / Best Beach Reads / Best Books of 2021 

Maisie Dobbs

Author: Jacqueline Winspear

Year: 2003

Genre: Historical Mystery

More info: Maisie Dobbs #1

Age Range: 13+

Maisie Dobbs is not your typical private investigator. For a start, she is a woman working as a PI in 1929. She is a psychologist and a detective who trained under renowned Maurice Blanche a former member of Scotland Yard. She branches out and decides to start her own business.

Maisie’s first case seems like it should be a simple case of infidelity. Instead, it leads her to a murder and back to WWI where she was a nurse. She is smart, thoughtful, and fun to read. 

I read this cozy mystery novel in one day.  It was so refreshing to see post-war England through Maisie’s eyes as she entered a field dominated by men. I cannot wait to read more books in this fabulous series.

Find this book in: Detective Books / Historical Mystery Books / British Mystery Books / Jazz Age Novels

Feel-Good Fantasy Books

the House in the Cerulean Sea

Author: T.J Klune

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Cerulean Chronicles #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Linus Baker is a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is sent on a mission to a secret orphanage isolated on an island where 6 of the world’s most dangerous youth live. 

Linus is sent to determine if the children are being cared for properly. Linus, who lives his life by the book, will have to look deeper to try and find the real answers to his questions.

Child abuse

This story was so much more than the sum of its parts. I felt like I had met each of the children in the story. Even though the story has magic, it somehow seems completely relevant to our society now. The magic and the orphan aspect are all reminiscent of Harry Potter.

Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Feel-Good Books / Book for Book Club / Books About Friendship / Books With Color in the Title / Best Beach Reads / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Author: Sangu Mandanna

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy

Age Range: 18+

This book for fall is definitely the feel-good book of the Halloween season. Mika Moon knows that she must hide her magic and stay away from other witches so their powers do not draw the attention of other people. She also knows that witches are destined to be orphans, a very lonely existence.

When she is asked to come and teach magic to three young witches, she finds the life that she had always dreamed of, even if it is temporary. But, does it have to be? Can she find the life she always wanted?

I listened to this charming book in one day and loved it. This adult fantasy book is a delightful pick book for fall. The characters we sweet and the book left me with a smile on my face. I could not put it down.

Find this book in: Witch Books / Feel-Good Books / Adult Fantasy Novels

Emily Wildes

Author: Heather Fawcett

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Emily Wilde #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 13+

Emily Wilde is an expert on the study of faeries who is writing the first encyclopedia on faerie lore. She has traveled to the village of Hrafnsvik to study the Hidden Ones. She is much better with her dog and faeries than she is with people so she is not happy when Wendell Bamblely shows up uninvited. He is her handsome and lazy rival who is not opposed to making things up as he goes along.

This is one of the best fantasy books of 2023! I knew I needed to read it as soon as I saw the name, but everything about it was wonderful. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The sequel, Emily Wilde’s Map of the Overlands is already of of my favorites of 2024.

Find this book in: Fae Books / Cozy Books / Best Books of 2023 / Adult Fantasy Romance Books /Adult Fantasy Novels / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Guide to Emily Wilde Series

The midnight Library

Author: Matt Haig

Year: 2020

Genre: Time Travel Fiction

More info: October 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

The story is about a library with books filled with the infinite possibilities of the lives not lived.  Have you ever wondered about a choice, or a path not taken?

When Nora finds herself in the library she is forced to face the choices that she made in her life- relationships, education, profession… The books in the library are endless, each an alternate reality of the endless life choices. Nora has to decide what kind of life she wants to live.

Suicide

I loved Matt Haig’s last book and was so excited to read this one. This is a magical time travel book and I loved every minute of getting to know Nora’s paths untravelled. Matt Haig is a master of magical realism.

Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Books About Books / Time Loop Books / Magical Realism / Best Books of 2020 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books About Libraries / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021

Feel-Good Romance Books

beach read

Author: Emily Henry

Year: 2020

Genre: Romance

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

January is a romance writer who no longer believes in love.  Until she was 28, she led an idyllic life filled with the ideas of perfect love. 

Augustus Everett is a literary fiction writer who has never believed in love.  They could not be more different.  When they find themselves living next door to each other they decide to help each other overcome their writer’s block by challenging each other to a writer’s duel. 

Death of a parent, sexual content

This is one of the best romance books I have read in a long time.  What could be better than a romance about writers? I love Emily Henry’s writing and loved this book.

Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Books / Grumpy Sunshine Romance / Emily Henry Books / Books About Books / Best Beach Reads / Romance Books About Books

Red White and Royal Blue

Author: Casey McQuiston

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!

This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?) 

Homophobia

The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.

Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!

Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title / British Books / Best YA Romance Books

kiss quotient

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

I was definitely not prepared for this book.  Reader beware that it is the Rosie Project with a sprinkle of Pretty Woman and a whole lot of 50 Shades. 

I did not realize that some of the scenes would be graphic in this pick from reverse grumpy sunshine romance books. Stella decided to hire an escort to teach her how to have intimacy with other people. This is the fake dating trope at its absolute finest.

It is a great romance with a neurodiverse main character and I loved it. This contemporary romance is definitely on its way to classic status and has a well-earned place on our list of best romance novels of all time and was an easy pick for a list of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.

Feel-Good Books from Celebrity Books Clubs

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Author: Shelby Van Pelt

Year: 2022

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: May 2022 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 12+

I haven’t read a novel with as much heart as this one in quite some time. Elderly, recently widowed Tova loves her job cleaning the aquarium in town in the quiet of the night, especially because of her fondness for Marcellus, the octopus. She finds solace in the aquarium as it makes her feel closer to her son, Erik – a marine life lover – who disappeared on a boat when he was 18.

But when she hurts herself and is unable to return to work at full capacity, she grows close with her replacement, Cameron, a young man who newly arrived in town looking for his birth mother.

Meanwhile, Marcellus knows what happened to Erik and he wants to help Tova find the closure she needs. His narration is interspersed with Tova and Cameron’s for a story that is compelling, heartwarming, and utterly unique.

I will be shoving this book into the hands of everyone who asks for a book recommendation because it’s my favorite book of 2022

This book has more heart than any book I have read in a long time. The unique perspective of a grumpy octopus may seem silly, but is brilliantly done and adds a unique perspective.

The themes in this book, the plot, and the characters- especially Marcellus- really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved that Marcellus added some laughter and made me smile. I recently gave this book to my son and he adored it as much as I did.

Find this book in: Best Audiobooks of 2022 / Family Drama Books / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Contemporary Fiction Books / Best Book Club Books / Best Read With Jenna Books

Oona Out of Order

Author: Margarita Montimore

Year: 2020

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: April 2020 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:16+

I absolutely loved this story about Oona who at the stroke of midnight on her 19th birthday, finds herself in her 51-year-old body. She is greeted by a stranger who is waiting for her in her home and tells her that every year, she will jump to another point in her life- she will live her life out of order. ⁣

This is an emotional, well-written story that will not only keep you quickly turning pages but also make you think about the small things in life that we take for granted. ⁣

This is such a unique book that left me wanting more with every turn of the page. Because this book is a nonlinear narrative, you never know what is going to happen or what age Oona will be.

Find this book in: New Year’s Eve Books / Best Time Travel Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Feel-Good Books / Books Set in the 80s

Nothing to see here

Author: Kevin Wilson

Year: 2019

Genre: Magical Realism

More info: November 2019 Read by Jenna Book Club Pick

Age Range:16+

This magical realism book is about a woman who becomes a nanny for two children who start on fire when they get mad.  There is wonderful humor in this book that is centered around strong and beautiful relationships.  I cannot recommend this family drama story highly enough.⁣

There is so much that I love about this family drama novel.  It is such a feel-good book that is more than what it seems.  It is well-written and funny and made our top books of 2019 list.

Find this book in: Best Family Drama Books/ Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Magical Realism Books/2024 Read with Jenna Book Club List / Adult Fantasy Novels / Best Books About Siblings / Best Read With Jenna Books

Eleanor Oliphant

Author: Gail Honeyman

Year: 2017

Genre: Fiction

More info: June 2107 Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick

Age Range: 14+

I wasn’t sure how I felt about this contemporary fiction book initially.  Initially, Eleanor’s behavior and responses to people and situations upset me. I had the outside perspective of a reader to understand how Eleanor is misinterpreting situations. She is not supposed to be likable initially which is why I persevered and ended up loving the book and Eleanor. 

Eleanor has difficulty with social skills and is used to being alone until one day, she saves an elderly man who has fallen with the help of Raymond from her work. The three develop a friendship that helps Eleanor heal.

Loneliness

As we get to know Eleanor and understand her profound loneliness, it made me think about what initial judgments I make in other areas. Eleanor is able to find herself and understand herself in this wonderful, feel-good book.

If you love a character-driven novel, this is the book for you. Eleanor changes so much from the beginning of the story to the end, I loved taking the journey with her.

Find this book in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine / Books Like A Man Called Ove/ Books About Scotland / British Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Best Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Amnesia Books

Feel-Good Books to Discuss with Your Book Club

The wedding people

Author: Alison Espach

Year: 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: August 2024 Read With Jenna Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

When Phoebe Stone arrives at the Cornwall Inn, she is the only person in the hotel who is not there for the wedding. She’s there to commit suicide after her marriage ends and she feels she has nothing else to live for.

Lila, the bride, has thought of every detail but did not account for Phoebe being at the hotel. She figures out what Phoebe is there to do and Lila will NOT let it happen. Soon, Phoebe is joining in on the weeklong festivities and readers get to learn about Lila’s motivations too. This funny, poignant novel about the people we meet along the path of life is sure to be a hit.

Suicide Attempt, Infertility

I love it handled anxiety, depression, and the ending of a relationship. It reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians because of the over-the-top wedding vibes. There is so much to discuss in this one that I think it’s perfect for book clubs. #gifted Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm

Find this book in: Books About Weddings / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best New Fiction Books of 2024: Contemporary and Literary Fiction / Best Read With Jenna Books

The lost Vintage

Author: Anne Mah

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Kate is working to become a certified wine expert and the only thing standing in her way are the Burgundy wines at her family’s estate (and her first love who lives nearby).

While dealing out the basement filled with generations of belongings, Kate starts to learn about her family during the WWII occupation. Of all the WWII books, this is the one we recommend the most and we have never had anyone not love it.

This mystery book feels like a warm hug. A little bit of historical fiction, a little bit of mystery, and a little bit of romance. It was so lovely to read at sunset with a glass of wine.

This book has a little bit of everything and kept me turning the pages non-stop. I completely agree with Kirsten when she says this book feels like a warm hug. I loved every bit of it and was sad when it ended.

Find this book in: Fiction Books About Wine / Feel-Good Books

The Language of Flowers 1

Author: Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Year: 2011

Genre: Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 14+

Victoria  Jones has studied the language of flowers and uses it to communicate.  After growing up in the foster care system, she is hesitant to let anyone get close to her.  When she meets a mysterious stranger, she has to decide if she can let someone in and let go of her past.

Kirsten and I both absolutely loved this contemporary fiction book, which we read before we knew each other. There is something so magical about the Victorian language of flowers.

The Victorian language of flowers is fascinating.  This book incorporates this language into a story that will leave you wanting more.

Find this book in: Ultimate List of 67 Feel-Good Books / Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction Novels / Books with Flowers in the Title

Castle of Water

Author: Dane Huckelbridge

Year: 2017

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

When Sophie and Barry find themselves on an Island as the sole survivors of a plane crash, they learn to depend on each other.  The book moves seamlessly from the past to the present, weaving an intricate tale.

Plane Crash

This is a wonderful contemporary fiction book about love and survival.  It is so much more than it appears on the surface. I cried during the ending and have been singing it’s praises ever since. Everyone I’ve ever recommended this one too has had the same response.

I loved how the characters developed in this book. It was surprising and moving.

Find this book in: Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Feel-Good Books / Plane Crash Novels / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Books Set at the Beach

Feel-Good Christmas Books

Christmas by the book

Author: Anne Marie Ryan

Year: 2021

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating: 💋

Age Range: 16+

This is kinda like Love Actually in a bookshop. Nora and Simon’s bookshop is failing, but that doesn’t stop them from anonymously sending out 6 Christmas books to locals who need cheering up.

We see how their gifted books inspire changes in the lives of the recipients, how much their bookshop means to the community, and how all the of their lives intertwine.

Death of a Child, Suicidal Thoughts

I cried a few times while reading this heartwarming tale, but it deals with some pretty heavy subjects like the death of a child and suicidal thoughts/depression. It’s a wonderful book for the holiday season. Any true book lover will adore this Christmas tale.

Find this book in: Christmas Novels for 2021 / Christmas Books Of All Time / Christmas Book Club Books

The Christmas House

Author: Victoria James

Year: 2021

Genre: Fiction

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

This heartwarming Christmas story deals with a few heavy topics, including childhood abuse and abandonment. Charlotte comes to her grandmother Ruby’s B&B with her sister and her mother for the Holiday Season.

She is shocked to see her old friend, Wyatt, has moved in next door with his daughter. But as her romance with Wyatt begins to bloom, dark feelings and sad memories stir for both of them.

Child Abuse, Abandonment

This is not so much a Christmas romance, as a story about forgiveness and overcoming childhood trauma.

Find this book in: Christmas Novels for 2021 / Christmas Book Club Books

The Christmas Bookshop

Author: Jenny Colgan

Year: 2021

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Jenny Colgan is back with a stand-alone Christmas romance book about a failing bookshop and the woman who saves it. Carmen is stuck with no boyfriend, no job, and living at home, while her sister Sophie seems to have it all – a beautiful house, a great husband, a killer job, and 3 kids with one more on the way.

When she realizes her client is going to lose his bookshop and home, she overs Carmen up for the job of turning the shop around, offering her a room at her house to boot.

But the long-standing rivalry between the sisters is out in full force, Carmen seems to sabotage her own happiness in the romance department, and her bookstore boss might be hiding some family secrets that need uncovering.

A charming contemporary fiction Christmas tale in true Jenny Colgan fashion, this heartwarming holiday book also has some appearances from beloved characters from previous books.

Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Best Holiday Books / Christmas Novels 2021

YA Feel-Good Books

far from the tree

Author: Robin Benway

Year: 2017

Genre: YA Fiction

More info: National Book Award

Age Range: 13+

This wonderful story is about Grace who was adopted at birth.  When she finds herself pregnant, she puts her daughter up for adoption. 

This prompts her to look for her biological mother.  What she finds are two siblings that she never knew about. This is an amazing story told from multiple points of view. Even though I included it in books that make you cry, you will love every moment.

This novel for tweens is the winner of the National Book Award for good reason.  I adored this middle-grade fiction book.  I spent half of it crying and the other half smiling. 

Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Feel-good Books / Books to Make You Cry / Fun Books for Teens/ Best Books About Siblings

A Castle in the Clouds

Author: Kerstin Gier

Year: 2020

Genre: Young Adult

Age: 12 – 18

Taking place at a dated luxury hotel at Christmas time and culminating with a New Year’s Eve ball, there is an abundance of antics afoot. Sophie is a hotel intern there to make sure the guests have all they need. But when she is not expecting to deal with missing jewels, find a potential love interest, or be worried about ghosts – all in one holiday season!

What a cute story! I loved the unique setting and hysterical antics. Jewel thieves, ghosts, kid-nappers, back-door dealings, and teenage drama fill this wonderful holiday book. 

Find this book in Best Holiday Books / YA Christmas Books / Best Winter Books / Hotel Novels / New Year’s Eve Books

prince and the dressmaker

Author: Jen Wang

Year: 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Age Range: 12+

This is an LGBTQ graphic novel that I read in a few hours.  Prince Sebastian is a prince by day and Princess Crystallia by night. The only one who knows his secret is his seamstress who hopes to make a name for herself with her fashion.

Homophobia, Transphobia

My son read it twice because he “loved the message that it’s okay to be yourself”. I don’t normally read graphic novels, but, I loved it!!! What a wonderfully inclusive, feel-good story.

Find this book in: Novels About Fashion / Best Books for 13-year-olds / YA Historical Fiction Books

BTB Elements and icons 10

Sometimes it’s easy to get in a reading funk. The characters or topics don’t seem to be engaging. This can happen easily- especially if you have just read a book you loved. Here are a few tips for finding a great feel-good book

  • Have a look at my list! These are the best feel-good reads from recent years
  • Choose a totally different genre than your usual to read
  • Ask for a recommendation from a trusted friend
  • Choose a brand-new author or a book you have never heard of (from this list).

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best feel-good books?

I have a list of my favorite feel-good novels from the last few years. I hope you love this list as much as I enjoyed making it.

What is a feel-good book?

I think a feel-good book is one that leaves you with a warm feeling in your heart when you finish the last page. The characters may have a difficult journey but by the end of the book, they get where they are supposed to be.

Epilogue

Which of these feel-good books are you going to read next?

non fiction list

Ultimate List of Nonfiction Books

If you love nonfiction books, this is the list we created especially for you.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

18 Comments