I want to get back into reading but can't find anything I like. Too many of these 'chick lit' books, or whatever they call them.

I used to like a few of Maeve Binchy's, such as The Glass Lake, but she got quite repetitive towards the end. I also enjoyed Helen Forrester's books about her life in Liverpool.
So I suppose I like books that tell a story but also tell a bit of history too.

Any ideas ?

You can't go wrong with one of the Bronte novels, I absolutely adore Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights! Bit of history, bit of the gothic and a slap of romance. Delightful.

Failing that how Water for Elephants? Another favourite book of mine, the story is wonderful and it's told within a historic setting!

Have you read 'I Heard the Owl Call My Name' by Margaret Craven?

I first read it when I was 12 and found it on my Granny's bookshelf, I have never forgotten it. It's one of those books that just stays with you. A very moving but simple story which is beautifully written.

I've just finished 'behind the scenes at the museum' by Kate Atkinson. Weird book, but oddly compelling. I could hardly put it down in the end.
Another one to try is 'Elizabeth is missing' by Emma Heale. I haven't read it yet, but my SIL recommended it as a good read and she usually is right.
For something completely different try the Shardlake series by C J Sansom.
I also like books by Annie Murrey which are set in Birmingham during the last war.

Try Anna Karenina. People often assume great literature is dull, but it's actually not. Tolstoy is incredibly readable and gripping (and ticks all the specific boxes you mention).

Lesley Pearse.  Try buying books from a charity shop to find an author you like.  I have done this and enjoyed books from authors I would have never dreamt of reading normally. i.e. Judy Finnegan and Richard Madely

OOh I have read a lovely trilogy about the life of a girl/woman in historical New Zealand.

Shayne Parkinson - Sentence of Marriage (Promises to Keep Book 1)
                                 Mud and Gold (Promises to Keep Book 2)
                                 Settling the Account (Promises to Keep Book 3)
                                 A Second Chance (Promises to Keep Book 4)

Shayne Parkinson

I write historical novels set in New Zealand, starting in the 1880s. I'm currently working on my sixth book, this one covering the years from 1918 to 1923. I'm fascinated by social history, particularly that of my own country.

I was born in New Zealand, and apart from two years in England have lived here all my life. I'm married to my childhood sweetheart, who grew up in the farming valley that's the inspiration for my imaginary one.

We have a few acres in the countryside, where we have an orchard and a large vegetable garden, and a small flock of sheep to keep the grass down. We make our own wine, cider, jams, jellies and sauces.

More about the background to my books at www.ShayneParkinson.com

> authors I would have never dreamt of reading normally. i.e. Judy Finnegan and Richard Madely

Oooh *inward suck of breath*
Their books might be good, but I've met them both, I know that shouldn't prejudice me but it's one of those things!

Try Phil Rickman - Merrily Watkins series. Murder mysteries where the main character (Merrily) is a female vicar. Nicely written, and there are 12 at the moment, so if you enjoy the 1st one, there's another 11 to keep you going. I have a kindle, and come across "new" authors by looking at the cheap / flash deals, which is how I came across these. You can often get free offers or certainly very cheap, which is how I came across these.

Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Brilliant series of 8 books so far and it's recently been turned into a series like Game of Thrones. Unfortunately it hasn't been bought by a TV company here even though it's filmed in Scotland but all us fans are hoping it will be soon!!

I dont read as much as I'd like and had to take bin fulls of books to the charity shops that I inherited from my MIL. One book I have read several times is Anna by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. Set mainly in Russia tells the story of an English governess who eventually marries her employer, a Count. Very atmospheric.

Bruce Fife - Coconut cures

It writes a lot about coconut but also it gives a close look at MCT and other fatty acids and how this all works in our body.

Another thumbs up for Shardlake series.

Going way back in history with a story try Jean Auel - Clan of the Cave Bear, plus some follow ons that goes back to cave man time. Learned lots of bits and pieces from reading those about how early man lived.

My Mum has just got interested in reading Dilly Court novels she says they have story and recent history. Jennifer Worth books about being a midwife in the fifties. Anyone who likes Call the Midwife will like the books. I've recently got her hooked on James Patterson (shes 85) her Church friends were shocked at her reading "mens" books

Charity shops are great places for trying out authors you wouldn't normally buy, quite often in better condition than the library too. The American Boy by Andrew Taylor was one such book. A historical crime drama with a young Edgar Alan Poe as a character. Possession by A S Byatt is a bit slow going to start with but well worth sticking with.

Mentioning Game of Thrones, total fiction. I've never read a book where I was so shocked at the turn of events so early on in the first book. Really recommend those for anyone who like fantasy fiction, so many shocks, twists and turns. I know not to every ones taste, not recommending those to my Mum lol

Brilliant, another Outlander fan! I LOVE them, such a good story and set in a well researched historical context. The series was fab (although it's an 18 and if you watch you'll see why, keep children away) and I am looking forward to season 2, even though I've read them all and know what happens! Book 1 in the UK is called Cross Stitch.

Jean Auel, really enjoyed those, but the last two were a bit samey.

Also...... Anything by Barbara Erskine, but you may have to leave the light on at night as they are very spooky! Excellent stories, very well written.

Philippa Gregory, the Cousins' War series.

Big Shardlake fan here loved Lamentations  his latest. I love Hillary Mantle  Bring Up The Bodies, Wolf Hall, phillipa  Gregory and The Somnambulist  by Emily Fox, Jane Austin.