Bestselling author Jenny Colgan, known for her delightful novels set in idyllic settings like seaside villages and quaint bookshops, has shared a list of her five favourite books that have influenced her life and writing, reports BritPanorama.
Among her chosen works is All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. This series has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to a recent Channel 5 adaptation, which follows the life of a young vet tending to animals and their eccentric owners in the Yorkshire Dales. Colgan praises the warmth and gentleness of Herriot’s storytelling, noting its humorous and kind nature that offers comfort to readers.
Another significant title is Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, which presents a family’s life in a 19th-century American log cabin. While some might find the narrative too pious, Colgan highlights its focus on simple pleasures, contrasting this with her children’s excitement over Christmas chapters, which she found less relatable.
Colgan also expresses her affection for The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson, depicting the story of a young Jewish girl hiding in a museum during World War II. She appreciates the novel’s mix of humour and romance, considering it her favourite work of all time.
She includes The Dentist by Tim Sullivan, the first in the George Cross Mysteries series. This book features an autistic detective investigating a murder, bringing to light buried pasts. Colgan finds comfort in the charming and logical nature of the series, particularly following challenging reads.
Finally, she recommends The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper, which captivates with its mix of mystery and adventure set in a snowy, whimsical England. Colgan notes its suitability for cozy winter evenings.
The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan is out now in paperback (Hodder, £9.99).
