Jill Mansell knows exactly how to lift a reader’s mood. For decades, her bestselling novels have offered the perfect blend of romance, friendship and gentle escapism – the kind of reads you sink into and from which you emerge feeling just a little bit better about everything. No wonder, then, that her books have sold over 15 million copies globally.
But what does Mansell turn to when she is in need of that same feeling of warmth and cheer herself? Here, she shares her five favourite books for escapism.
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
“I devoured and adored this when it first came out – oh my goodness – 30 years ago now, back when I was young and quite Bridget-y myself. But I have recently begun a re-read – unusual for me, because there are always new books impatiently waiting to be discovered – and am loving it all over again, possibly even more deeply this time.
“The writing is so smart, so clever, and so beguiling. Daniel Cleaver will always be my favourite bad boy. And the friendships in the book are just perfect. If you haven’t read it recently, do give it another go and thank me later.”
Picador £8.99
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
“Elin Hilderbrand is a prolific and massively successful novelist in the US, but less so here in the UK, which needs to be rectified. I have read almost all her books and never fail to be impressed by her microscopic attention to detail when it comes to describing characters’ personalities, food, scenery and plotlines.
“Most of her books are set on Nantucket, the island off Massachusetts where Elin lives, and a glorious, escapist setting. My favourite book of hers is 28 Summers, which is the story of a passionate love affair set over the course of… I’ll let you work it out.”
Hodder £10.99
Dear Mrs Bird by AJ Pearce
“This is the first of a series of four books, and is an absolute delight. Set during the Second World War, in the London Blitz, it follows an irresistible heroine who works for the fearsome Mrs Bird at “Woman’s Friend” magazine, and secretly begins answering the letters sent in by readers desperate for help with their problems.
“The writing style is witty and charming, and this novel features love, friendship and comedy but some sadness too. I can’t help but read these books with a 1940s BBC accent in my head. They are an utter joy.”
Picador, £9.99
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
“Written with humour and bucketloads of emotion, this one is a weepie that will stay with you for life. It is a truly wonderful love story, following the young man who doesn’t want to continue living following a terrible accident, and the carer who makes it her mission to change his mind.
“Having worked in a neurological hospital myself for almost 20 years, it is a moral dilemma I encountered many times. This is an extraordinary book, which I highly recommend.”
Penguin, £10.99
Riders by Jilly Cooper
“How could I not include Dame Jilly Cooper in this list? Having been the inspiration for me to take up writing in the first place, she undoubtedly changed my life. I’ve been a fan of her work since childhood, when I used to cut out and save her columns in The Sunday Times, and reading Riders for the first time was a revelation.
“This was everything I wanted a novel to be, fat and fabulous, hilarious and emotional, packed with naughty behaviour and characters I wished I could meet in real life. I longed desperately to be able to dive inside those 929 pages. It is pure escapist fun and entertainment – Dame Jilly was a true life-enhancer. We were so lucky to have her and she will always be missed.”
Corgi, £10.99
‘An Almost Perfect Summer’ by Jill Mansell is out now in paperback (Headline Review, £9.99)