A mixture of fiction and non-fiction, my latest reads have in common female characters and writers who live their lives well, showing resilience in adversity and being buoyed up by good friendships. These women, both fictional and real, are women with warm, courageous hearts, and they make very good company as I navigate my own life.

Stitches, by Anne Lammott – notes on life by this wise, witty author. Simple, profound, funny and engaging.

The Lifeline, by Libby Page – a light story, a sequel to The Lido, which I also enjoyed. Featuring brave, honest women finding their way through motherhood, mental health, relationships and life in general.

The Book of Beginnings, by Sally Page – Jo looks after her Uncle’s stationary shop and finds unlikely new friendships and the freedom to be herself.

Miracles and other Reasonable Things, by Sarah Bessey – Sarah tells the story of some struggles – a difficult pregnancy, a car crash, ill health – and the story of her faith and how miracles aren’t always what we expect them to be, but are beautiful nonetheless.

The Woman who Walked in Sunshine, by Alexander McCall Smith – Book 16 in the No1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I am still not bored of these gentle, funny stories about Mma Ramotswe and her friends. In this story, she is persuaded to take a holiday, but her usual sense of compassion overrides the need for rest and she finds herself helping a small child and working on a case instead.

The Crystal Crypt, by Fiona Veitch Smith – Book 5 in the Poppy Denby series, set in the 1920’s. Journalist and amateur sleuth Poppy finds herself in Oxford seeking justice for a female scientist who died in suspicious circumstances. She does this with her usual style, kindness and courage, alongside the usual cast of smart, brilliant friends.