Trying to Remember the Name of a Book I Read Many Years Ago

When I was in high school in the 70s, aka the dark ages, and working as a Library Assistant in my school’s library (see ancient photo below taken for our school annual) there was a book I read that I would love to find again. Unfortunately, I can not remember the name of it. I think it had the word Nightingale in the title…maybe something like Song of the Nightingale– something like that. I’ve Googled a million Nightingale phrases and can’t find it, probably out of print at this point.

 

The only thing I can really remember about the story is that the narrator and her beau gradually fall in love while writing letters back and forth to each other throughout the book. I don’t think they actually ever meet, but I don’t recall it having an unhappy ending. Can’t remember now exactly how it ends. Ummm, I wonder if that book or a similar book is where the inspiration for the movie, You’ve Got Mail, originated.

Lately, I’ve been trying to find some old-fashioned romance stories, the kind of yesteryear where the heroine and hero meet and fall in love gradually the old-fashioned way, not the bodice rippers of today. lol Any suggestions other than the books of Jane Austen since I’ve read most of those.

I prefer books that aren’t sad, (no main characters die) aren’t filled with violence, and have a happy ending? Does anyone write books like that anymore? So many of the bestsellers these days sound great until I read the reviews, then they often sound really sad or depressing. Would love your suggestions!

I’m working on a post to share some gift-giving ideas for Mother’s Day, or really gift ideas for any special woman in your life. Hope to get that post up this weekend.

Happy Weekend, dear Friends!

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Comments

  1. Could it be Wings of the Nightingale Series (Book 1 – With Every Letter) ?

    • I saw that one but I think it may be a more recently written book. The storyline sounds similar though with the writing of letters. Thanks for that suggestion, Maureen!

      • Kathy Parathyras says

        I, too, was thinking that it might be 84,Charing Cross Road.

      • Barbara Robinson says

        I recommend the books by Betty Smith – Joy In The Morning and a Tree Grows In Brooklyn. I read both of these books in high school in the late 60’s and remember loving them. I look for copies of them when antiquing.

        • I too loved Joy in the Morning and a Tree Grows in Brooklyn! No one ever seems familiar with Joy in the Morning so it made me happy to see you mention it!!

  2. I just read The Lost and Found Bookshop
    by SUSAN WIGGS and enjoyed it.
    The Library at the Edge of the World
    by Felicity Hayes-McCoy.
    Anything by Mary Kay Andrews

    • Thanks, Bev! I will definitely look those up!

    • A drop in the ocean
      By jenni Ogden This is one you won’t forget
      Echo mountain by Lauren wolk
      Beyond the bright sea by Lauren wolk
      What the wind knows by Amy harmon
      The inspector Gamache books by Louise penny. They stand alone but you will understand the characters better if you read in order.

  3. Hi Susan, could the book you are looking for be 84, Charing Cross Road
    by Helene Hanff? It was written in 1970 and it is one of my favorites. I no longer have a copy but I think it might still be in print.

  4. Judy H Cranford says

    I think you would enjoy Kristen Hannah books. I love them all & have read everything she has written. Also, Karen Kingsbury writes Christian books that are all amazing.

  5. I’ve enjoyed the Tequila series by Tricia O’Malley, and the Miss Fortune books by Jana DeLeon. They’re light and easy to read.

  6. Teresa M. says

    My Go To reads are thrillers. I was reading Nancy Drew in school and nothing else sticks out as memorable. Lucky you that you are on the trail of a book that resonated with you as a young girl with fun braids.
    Don’t read “Where the Crawdad sings” excellent book with soft romance but you will be upset at the end.
    Thru ancestry, I found I am distantly related to this interesting author, Margery Frisbee – she is 97yrs old and still kicking. Her son-in-law who has a British accent reads one of her unpublished books on Youtube. I really enjoy the story – it’s not a nightingale…it’s a chickadee calling. https://youtu.be/cK90jlNTFzk
    I look forward to reading suggestions in response to your post. Cheers and happy weekend to you too, T

  7. Jenny Colgan and Maud Hart Lovelace have written good romantic novels. Follow Lovelace’s Betsy through high school and her European travels and marriage; wonderful books. Colgan writes about book lovers and bakers in the UK.

    • Bev Diegel says

      I agree about the Jenny Colgan books…she has a few series going and all are well written and meet your requirements. I also love the Marcia Willett books too, as well as the classic Rosamunde Pilchers and Joanna Trollops.On the lighter side, Katie Fforde also writes some great slow-blooming romances.

  8. Sorry I can’t help with the book you’re asking about but can highly recommend Dorothea Benton Frank’s novels. Great old fashioned romance, friendships, southern food & living. The settings take place in low country in SC.

  9. Susie Van Horn says

    Just FYI, You’ve Got Mail was inspired by the 1937 Hungarian play Parfumerie by Miklós László which was also made into a movie in 1940 called The Shop Around the Corner with Jimmy Stuart. If you liked You’ve Got Mail, then you will also love The Shop Around the Corner!

    • Thanks for that info, Susie! I didn’t know that…so interesting. I remember reading something about The Shop Around the Corner. I need to watch that

      • Barbara Jackson says

        Also the delightful musical She Loves Me, which has been revived several times. The most recent Broadway production, starring Laura Benanti, Zachary Levi, Gavin Creel and Jane Krakowski, can be found on PBS Great Performances on many PBS stations. It is wonderful! Yes-84 Charring Cross Road! Both the memoir and the film.

    • I recently watched Shop Around the Corner; but preferred You’ve Got Mail, even though I love old black and white movies and am a big Jimmy Stewart fan. My favorite genre to read is Historical fiction…which isn’t always happy!

  10. The Nightingale by Agnes Sligh Turnbull?

  11. Nightingale Wood by Stella Gibbons is on my list to read so I’m not sure of the plot but it was written in 1932. Timeless writing though. She also wrote Cold Comfort Farm which was made into a film that starred Kate Beckinsale (before she became a cougar), Ian McKellan and Rufus Sewell. If you haven;t seen it I highly recommend.

  12. Try reading the Mitford series by Jan Karon. You’ll be entertained, encouraged, and inspired. Many of Jan’s fans read and reread her books.

    • Agree! I’ve read the series several times over the years and just love it.

    • I was going to suggest the Mitford series as well. What a wonderful series! I just loved it and think it’s about time to re-read those books. Susan, the main character is a pastor, but the books are not preachy. Mitford is the name of the town where the lives of the characters play out. I tell you, I’d move there if I could!
      Also want to second books by Mary Kay Andrews and Dorothea Benton Frank.

    • I listened to quite a few of the Mitford book on Audible a while back. I enjoyed those. I can’t remember why I stopped but I did get through quite a few of them.
      Thanks, Mary…I will check out those other two authors.

    • I was going to say the Mitford series, because it seems to fit the bill of what you are looking for…although I just couldnt get into them (I guess I need a little more excitement.) One of my all time favorite books that I re-read about every 5 years (the only book I do) is Fannie Flagg’s “Daisy Faye and the Miracle Man” told from the point of view of 8 (10?) year old Daisy Faye in Mississippi. It is literally laugh out loud funny, but not a kids book. One summer vacation we passed it around to all the girls, and whenever the reader started laughing out loud, the rest of us would ask “what part are you reading’?

      • I sorta had that problem with the Mitford series. I listened to several books on Audible but eventually was getting a bit bored with them. Maybe I just hit one that wasn’t as good. I may give them another try.
        Thanks for that recommendation, it sounds like a good one!

    • I totally agree.. I’ve read through them all twice. I think is is best to read from the beginning.

  13. Rebecca Dexter says

    Janice Meredith is a very old book but wonderful story about the Revolutionary War and 2 special people…Writers of today that I absolutely adore and have read (I think) everything that they have written…Mary Kay Andrews, Mary Alice Monroe(who writes mostly about the low country), and Karen White. Karen White writes two types of books…The Tradd books have some mystery and “ghost” stuff…I love them so give them a try…her others like Sea Change, or Flight Patterns are just sooo good. Some of these authors have a few books that have a series of books so best to read them in order. You can go on Amazon and with a little searching find the lists. I also like Erin Hildebrand…but probably Mary Alice Monroe and Karen White are my favorites. Let me know what you think! I wish I had all of that great reading in front of me instead of behind. Always looking for new authors.

  14. The Charing Cross book was made into a movie with Ann Bancroft but it wasn’t a romance.

  15. I was a high school library assistant, too! I was searching and found a NY Public Library article, entitled–“Finding a Book When You’ve Forgotten Its Title,” check the site below it might help:

    https://www.nypl.org/blog/2017/11/22/finding-book-forgotten-title?page=2

    Nothing more frustrating than searching one’s mind for a book or movie title with no results–Happy Hunting!

  16. Luanne Jones says

    Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster? If that’s not the book you were thinking of, read it anyway. It’s really good. At least, it was when I was in the 8th or 9th grade.

    • Jennifer Raddatz says

      I was also going to suggest Daddy Long Legs! I thought of it immediately! I found it a few years ago in our library and thought is was very enjoyable. It was written in 1912.

  17. Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross is great! It is funny, clean, entertaining. Not really “romance” but set in the fictional town of Abbotsville (really Hendersonville/Asheville?) Very Southern.

  18. Jan Karon’s Mitford books are totally delightful-endearing characters and a bit of ROMANCE! My daughter-in-law says she is in a constant “state of Mitford.” She reads the entire series, then repeats. It’s that good!

    • I agree! Love the Mitford books!

      • Slightly off topic but please indulge me. I loved the Mitford series and was captivated by the Esther’s Marmalade Cake recipe. Jan Karon has a book with the recipe and I believe it is also published on her website. I made the cake and it is wonderful!!! A special occasion cake. I’ve read a number of books with “food” in the story but this was the first time I was inspired to actually make it! So glad I did!

  19. If you ever remember the title of the book you are seeking, then Google ELibris. Somewhere in the world, someone will have a copy of the book. I shop there frequently, and shipping is usually $3.99 for US customers.
    Talk about rabbit holes, this is it! Happy hunting.

  20. Hi Susan. I can’t add to the list of Nightingale story suggestions. But I do
    have a favorite contemporary, tasteful, adult author. It’s Debbie Macomber.
    She weaves heartwarming stories and wonderful characters with happy endings. And Hallmark produced a movie from her book Mrs. Miracle.

  21. With Every Letter: A Novel [Wings of the Nightingale] [Volume 1] by Sundin, Sara

    I found this book and might be yours.

    • That series was written in the past decade. She’s a young, current author who definitely wasn’t alive in 1975.

  22. CHERYL RABOVSKY says

    Did I miss it? Which one are you in the picture above? I was in high school about that same time as you were. Brings back memories.

  23. Check out Mary Balogh books. Always a happy ending

  24. Vicki Lay says

    I don’t know the book you are searching for, but I can highly recommend the author Charles Martin. He is an excellent writer, and the books have great endings…and they are CLEAN!

  25. Hi Susan,
    I read quite a bit and have gotten addicted to the Lady Emily series by Tasha Alexander. There is mystery and romance in all the books – very well written. True escapism to the early 1900’s England. If you are interested, please start with the first book “Only to Deceive”.
    The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is very good also. Mary Kay Andrews is also one of my favorite authors. Her books are so entertaining.
    Hope you are enjoying our spring weather! Is the French bakery still open in Marietta? I think their pastries are calling my name the next time I visit my son.

    • Thanks for those suggestions! I’m making a list and adding those to it.
      I’m not sure, I haven’t been that direction in forever. I’m mostly staying home these days except for picking up groceries and the occasional bird store run for more seed.

    • Let me add my enjoyment of the Lady Emily series. Also check out Julia Kelly. I am currently reading her newest title “Last Garden of England”. Mary Kay Andrews is always enjoyable as is Jan Karon. If I am into a romance mood I reread the “Brides Quartet” series by Nora Roberts. So many pleasant reads out there. If you have an author you want to read more of check out the Fantastic Fiction website.

  26. Robin Lambert says

    Google the plot without any hints you’re not sure of, like Nightingale. I’ve found books doing that. I was thinking of 84 Charing Cross Road, too.

    • I tried that but didn’t have any luck. I was hoping that would work, though. Thanks for that suggestion, Robin. Maybe I should do it without the word Nightingale in the search in case I’m remembering wrong.

  27. I enjoyed Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series, a series of I think about a dozen novels about a group of women (friends & neighbors). Each book focuses on a particular woman, but the characters are woven throughout all of the books. The books stand on their own but it’s helpful to read them in order. Macomber has written quite a few books including other series and I think does an annual holiday novel, but I particularly enjoyed the Cedar Cove stories.

  28. Emilie Richards is an excellent author. I just finished reading A Family of Strangers and just loved it. Every one of her books is good. Also, Susan Elizabeth Phillips latest book was really good “Dance Away with Me”. SEP writes really funny ones as well but her earlier ones have sex in them which I skip over a page or two for those scenes! lol

  29. Deborah D says

    I read lots of books. Debra Clopton is a good writer. She has several series that are good. Right now I’m reading a series by Jessie Gussman. Debbie Macomber is another favorite. I’ve read and reread everyone of her books. Janet Daily is good. I like the way she writes. Lori Wilde and Linda Leal Miller are both good too.

  30. The Secret: Dare to Dream was a fabulous movie and was based on the book. You will LOVE this one.I also love the Dorothea Benton Franks books.

  31. I was also going to recommend 84 Charing Cross Road – one of my favorite books – along with The Duchess of Bloomsbury, another book by Helene Hanff with more details about her life. They made a good movie out of 84 Charing Cross Road with Ann Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins; I believe it’s available to stream on Prime Video.

  32. Cindy Hummel says

    Try the Trisha Ashley books – pure escapism and everyone ends up happy. You will want to travel to England though!!

  33. Love reading Mary Balogh! She writes about romance with humor in England’s horse and carriage days. She has several series but you don’t necessary have to read them in order. Also Jude Deveraux’s Knight in Shining Armour is an oldie but goodie. Maybe try some Barbara Delinsky books. Dorthea Benton Frank and Mary Alice Monroe have great series of love stories based in South Carolina’s low country.

  34. Bobbi Duncan says

    I love all the romance books by Jude Deveraux. She has written many, many books! Several of her books have their setting in or just outside Williamsburg, VA that I feel you’d enjoy. You can ask your computer for all of her books that have their setting there. The Cedar Cove stories, by Debbie Macomber, are good as well. Happy hunting. Hugs!

  35. Susy Howard says

    Song of the Voyager was one l read back in my the day. Google it. I did find it.
    You did read Where the Crawdads Sing, right???!

  36. ….old-fashioned romance stories, the kind of yesteryear where the heroine and hero meet and fall in love gradually the old-fashioned way…
    Author Kathleen E. Woodiwiss – she pioneered the historical romance genre

  37. Katherine Godoy says

    If you haven’t read it yet, The Gentleman in Moscow is one of the best novels I have read in years, and I read about 40 books a year. It has everything – it is truly a modern classic!

    • I’ve heard very good things about it, saw good reviews. Something made me not read it though…is it sad? I can’t remember what I read in a review that made me reluctant to read it.

  38. Sounds like 84 Charing Cross Road… the book is a compilation of actual correspondence between an English bookseller and a NY journalist. They never met in person. It was also made into a movie starring Ann Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins.

  39. The Singing of the Nightingale by Marjorie Warby? Published 1972

    • I wonder if that’s it?! That time frame is about right. I graduated in 1975. I may have to buy it to find out. I can’t find a review about it. Thanks, Celaina!

  40. Hi! I too was a 70’s girl and graduated in 1977. I spent an hour or more searching for you, but alas, I couldn’t find it! Can you let me know if you remember anything else? I am still going to search.

    • Tracey, you are so nice to do that! I’ve searched many times over the years without success. The only thing I can remember is that they wrote letters back and forth. Another BNOTP reader just found a book called The Singing of the Nightingale by Marjorie Warby, published in 1972. I will try and find more info about that book to see if it could be it.

      • As a former school librarian, I agree that the book, The Singing of the Nightingale, may be the book you are looking for. Warby wrote other books, sweet romances, and I think you can find it on Amazon. You will have to keep us updated on this search. Love the photo!!!

  41. You might also enjoy The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It’s all written as letters and includes a bit of romance. Our book club all agreed it was wonderful. Only sad thing is that the primary author died before she could write more.

    Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Amish fiction is also good.

    • Was also going to recommend the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- especially to someone who likes to travel- its a nice romance and historical novel. Really enjoyed it!!!

  42. You might like works by D. E. (Dorothy Emily) Stevenson. She was born in the 1890s in Scotland and lived to be quite old, and was a prolific writer. Robert Louis Stevenson was her second cousin. I would suggest starting with the Mrs. Tim series (they’re fairly autobiographical of the author as the wife of a British officer). Then, move onto the Miss Buncle books. They are tailor made, I think, for what you’re looking for. They’re very well-written, and to me, they’re a slice of a gentler world. If you’re looking for old-fashioned romance, without being trite, you might enjoy her books. A lot of them are available on Kindle.

  43. Tess Halliday says

    I just read two Rosamunde Pilcher novels. I don’t know if you have read any of her novels. I read Winter Solstice and Coming Home. Her novels are so atmospheric and have wonderful characters.

  44. Try to author Georgette Heyer.

  45. Gay McLeod says

    Just want to say how much I’m enjoying all the book suggestions. My summer reading list has grown. Thank you!

  46. Joyce Schattauer says

    I love to read Mary Roberts Rhinehart books, they are old fashioned mysteries that usually have a little romance in them. Try The Circular Staircase. Also, Mary Stewart…The Moonspinners, Thornyhold, and My Brother Michael.

  47. Sabrina Holmes says

    I’m binging on Dorothea Benton Frank books right now. They would check all your boxes.

  48. Midnight at the Blackbird cafe is a recent fav.

  49. You may enjoy works by British novelist Maureen Lee. My introduction to her was the Pearl Street series (3 novels) which led me to scour Ebay and binge read pretty much all of her books (unfortunately not available in my library).

  50. Catherine Schiele says

    I’m a retired librarian. There is a Facebook Group called “can you help find this book”. You might check with them.

  51. Joanne Fluke mysteries with a little romance and recipes. Hannah Swensen is a bakery owner in small town Minnesota. Hallmark made some into the movies Murder She Baked.

  52. “You’ve Got Mail” was inspired by a 1940 movie called “The Shop Around the Corner” starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan, featuring Frank Morgan, who had just been in “The Wizard of Oz”. The two co-stars had been friends in acting school and it is a wonderful and unexpected Christmas treat.

  53. Sharon Caldwell says

    Susan, try googling Loganberry books store. They have a feature called Stump the Bookseller. I was desperately trying to remember a book and used that site. I believe there was a small charge $2.00 maybe but it was well worth it! They found my book. It’s a fun site to visit and help others trying to remember books from their childhood or books read years ago! Good Luck!

  54. Funny you should post this. The West Orange Observer in FL has a real love story about a couple on the front page. She has dementia now and misses mail, so he sends her all of the love letters she kept. If somebody reads it, her birthday is soon and I hope she gets a ton of mail !
    Sounds like the search is on Susan. Hope you find that book.

  55. Melissa Mash says

    I was going to say 84 Charing Cross Road but that’s been covered! As for heart warming stories that make you feel good, try the author Nan Rossiter. She has several (NY times bestseller list) and they take you back to your childhood.
    Also if you like Jane Austen, try the book “The Jane Austen Book Club”. If you make it over to England, I’ll take you to Jane Austen’s home where she wrote many of her novels. Enjoy!

  56. I, too, am enjoying these great book suggestions. I can certainly concur with the writer who mentioned the Miss Julia series by Ann Ross. They are absolutely delightful to read and wonderful books to give as gifts .
    Any book written by Fannie Flagg is excellent also.
    I gave a Phillip Gulley book to a nonreader and she loved it.

  57. My go to books when I want a comfortable read are the Miss Julia books by Ann B. Ross, The Cat Who books by Lillian Jackson Braun, the Happy Trails campground series by Tonya Kappes, Miss Fortune books by Jana DeLeon and (since you like to travel), try the humorous Mrs. Pollifax books by Dorothy Gilman ( a geranium growing grandma who joins the CIA.) Mignon G. Eberhardt writes good stories as well…..oldies but goodies!

  58. Amazon shows a few used hardback copies of Singing of the Nightingale by Marjorie Warby you can order through them. The listing shows the illustration on the cover that might ring a bell for you. Good luck!

  59. Michele M. says

    Oh, Susan – you look soooooo adorable with your innocent smile and those sweet braids. What a great picture.

    Sorry I cannot help you with the book find – but I know you have rec’d many ideas for some good reading.

    Have a fab weekend. Hugs.

  60. Hello Susan,
    I’ll scratch my head on your Nightingale search.
    “Sea Breeze”& “The Fixer Upper” by Mary Kay Andrews are fun romances. I just recommended “Parnassus In Wheels” today on Instagram. A gem of a book! Happy Reading!
    Michelle

  61. Nan, Odessa, DE says

    Mary Alice Monroe had a series of books based in South Carolina.
    I also recommend any thing by ? Frank Benton, Sherry Woods.
    Many write in series so check them out before borrowing!

  62. My recommendation is ‘Salt on my skin’ by Benoite Groult. It occupies Place #1 for years in my Favorite Books List.

  63. Antoinette says

    Hi Susan, Speaking of the movie The Shop Around the Corner, way before You’ve Got Mail came out, they made another movie with basically the same storyline called In the Good Old Summer Time starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson. Even though the story line is set in the late 1900s, the idea is the same. I think you would also like that movie.

    As far as authors, one of my favorite authors is Mary Alice Monroe. Her story lines are touching and inspiring and they draw you into the beautiful setting of South Carolina’s low country. There’s no violence in her books, just uplifting stories with characters beautifully developed. Your photo is neat, takes me back to my high school days!

  64. i, too have been trying to remember something about song of the nightingale…from my childhood(late fifities, and into the sixties) but i keep seeing it as a movie, with shirley temple(in her teens??) as the main character…there’s a magic carpet in the story,too…this has been driving me crazy for decades!!!

  65. Patty Brenner says

    Thank you for asking this question – I’ve picked up some great suggestions for my own reading! One of my favorite ‘old fashioned romance’ authors is Mary Stewart. Her books are from the 1950’s-1970’s ish and are definitely gentle romances, with a mystery thrown in. My absolute favorite is Thornyhold, but I’ve enjoyed all of them.

  66. The Cozy mystery genre may be of interest to you. I stumbled upon them when I was looking for a mystery that wasn’t one of the thrillers I usually read. Cozies are just that, light and cozy, and I have found them to be comforting reads. Kathi Daley, Dianne Harmon, B.R. Snow, Lucy Burdette, Amy VanSant, Maria Geraci, and CeeCee James are a few authors I’ve read and enjoyed. I’ve left the violence and gore of the thrillers behind for these less complicated yet enjoyable reads.

  67. The novels by Kristy Woodson Harvey, of Beaufort, NC,are really good. Her latest of the seven books she has written just came out this week-Under the Southern Sky. All her books are about families and locations in North and South Carolina.

  68. I also love the Jan Karon, Dorothea Benton Frank, and Miss Julia books – and it’s great to see comments from others who also enjoy them. Have you read “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society”? Like the Nightingale book you’re searching for, it’s based on letters and is so good I’ve read it twice and also listened to the audiobook. It’s so much better than the movie…but, that’s almost always the case, isn’t it? And, after you read it you’ll want to add Guernsey to your travel list.

  69. Have you ever considered to start a book club? Maybe an online book club:)

  70. So glad to see the author Mary Stewart mentioned! My best friend and I devoured her books in high school in the early 70’s. After graduating, we spent a magical month traveling in England, basing our itinerary on the settings of her books. Not sure though if they’d feel too “young” now…

  71. Kansas Kay says

    Susan, Such great reading ideas in comments! Great post. A good easy read is The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas. For mystery readers, I started The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths, which is the first of a series about an archaeologist, set in England. Caught my interest and I read the entire series, waiting for the next book. It is sometimes scary since is murder mystery but is not gory.

  72. Hi Susan,
    My 2 favorite authors are Mary Higgins Clark and Victoria Holt. Both contain romance and intrigue. I discovered them both in my early 20’s and still love them 30 years later.

  73. I don’t know of any books about a nightingale, but when I can’t remember the title of a book I have used the following sites to help me look.

    https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/185-what-s-the-name-of-that-book

    and this one that has many resources. I haven’t tried them all.

    https://mybookcave.com/how-to-find-a-book-when-you-dont-know-the-title-or-author/

    Also Amazon has a service called Book Bub that discounts books heavily and they can be downloaded and some even read for free.

    https://www.bookbub.com/welcome

  74. I bet you would enjoy ‘Girl of the Limberlost’ written in the early 1900’s. It is a treasure!

  75. Sort of an interesting cookbook is one from the Mitford Series! I love to read cookbooks and this one is fun! Especially if you’ve enjoyed the entire series!

    • I love the story about Esther’s marmalade cake. When she originally wrote the books, she just put the cake in the book as part of the plot without any idea about what would happen. However, she got so many requests for the cake recipe that she had to invent the recipe in order to satisfy her fans.

  76. My mom and I read a series of books about a family in Britain during WW11. Started out with bombing of London and cousins were all sent to grandparents in rural countryside. They grew food in greenhouse but still endured scarcity. After war it continued to follow them.
    Hoping someone can help as I would love to reread. From 1990s or 2000s.

  77. Brenda Bodnar says

    I don’t know the book you are looking for, but I can recommend a couple that meet your requirements. I Still Dream About You and Redbird Christmas, both by Fannie Flagg, are uplifting and positive. I know you would enjoy Flagg’s tribute to her hometown, Birmingham, in I Still Dream About You, and her story about a man whose travels bring him hope, happiness and renewed health in Redbird Christmas. Flagg is not only a pleasant writer, but her writing is imbued with hope and positivity!

  78. Jacquelynn says

    I have been into reading/listening ( audiobooks) a lot lately. Will research the suggestions. I worked in our school library in jr high. I loved it, Dewey decimal system, the feel and smell of the library. The quietness of the experience. Our local library has on line selections. My have times changed but am glad since libraries were closed due to COVID. Great post.

  79. Gentleman in Moscow was so beautifully written, I would often stop and reread a sentence. Amazing true story! So entertaining and also informative of history. I also love Susan Meissner books (always clean, historical fiction)…..Secrets of a Charmed Life, Stars Over Sunset Boulevard, Fall of Marigolds, about love and friendships. Lisa Wingate also so very good.

  80. Cyndi Raines says

    Sure hope you are able to locate the book you are searching for. I was also going to suggest Debbie Macomber, love her books and one yet that I have to read, my sister and mom just loved was the Mitford series. I had hoped to start them this past winter, but haven’t yet. Maybe I will this summer if travel isn’t available to us. Gosh, many have listed some really interesting books, will have to remember this post to reference, ha. Love your picture Susan. I had a top just like that. Mine was red and white, what color was yours and I graduated in ’75 also. The other girls in the picture look just like my friends, of that era, we all dressed similar and wore our hair the same, it could have been taken at my school, ha. Let us know if you find the book!

  81. The Poldark series is one I have read and reread several times. It’s an English series in beautiful Cornwall.

  82. Try a book by Valerie Fraser Luesse. She’s from Alabama and has written several that I have enjoyed: Missing Isaac, Almost Home, and The Key To Everything. In the book, Almost Home, there’s a scene around the supper table that was so funny, I was almost rolling on the floor! I like her characters and descriptions of Southern life.

  83. My very, very, very favorite book series is the Bellingwood series by Diane Greenwood Muir. It’s available on Kindle, and I think the first 3 books in the series will be free at the beginning of May. Book 32 just came out and I have read it twice already. I never read books twice in a row except for these. Another series I’ve enjoyed are the Rosemont books by Barbara Hinske. I hope you find your Nightengale book but looks like you have many other good suggestions, too.

  84. Antoinette says

    Hi Susan,

    I was one of the readers that suggested novels from Mary Alice Monroe, but I wanted to add that if you haven’t read any of her novels, I would suggest starting with “The Beach House”, it’s one of her best and it sets the scene for some of her future novels. Happy reading!

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