My dad died a few months ago and I'm having problems reading.  Nothing engages me (which is a shame since I've received about 10 books off my WL and even they don't hold my interest!).   The only thing I've been reading lately are m/m books (read the first 16 Cattle Valley books in a week and a half).  Maybe because they're so simple, and short. 

Anyway, I need a book to engage me!  I'm thinking something along the lines of the Virgin River series (lots of characters, small town, etc etc).  Any suggestions?? 

Anything you've read recently (doesn't have to fit the above criteria) that just swept you away?  I'd prefer it not be part of an established series - I don't need any new series unless its the first!  I'd like to steer clear of erotica just because I've been reading so much recently but, again, if it's great tell me!

I don't do Christian books, although a mention now and again of a minister or priest won't put me off.  I read paranormal, historicals and contemporaries.

And I'd prefer something I can order through PBS!

Thanks for any and all help.  I'll be available to answer questions if they arise. 

Really?  No recommendation of a really great book?  And one that I'd be willing to order from you (if you have it)?  That surprises me!

Ani: I may not be the right one to respond with a recommendation as I have had trouble getting into my favorite historical romances for the past year.  So I have branched out.  I just got through reading my second Kristin Hannah Magic Hour , the first one was Firefire Lane. I really enjoyed both of these. Both are these are stand alone ( I don't even think they are in a series). The Search by Nora Roberts about a woman and a dog search and rescue training school - enjoyed it alot and would recommend. Deal Breaker  by Harlan Coben was another new one and I loved it. Had  some of the best one liners I have ever read  - however this book is bk 1 in a series but I got it from PBS. The Last Child  by John Hart was another one. I hate it when I am in a slump, but reading other genres like mystery and literature and fiction has helped me alot. I am sorry to hear about your Father's death.  I hope this helps you find a book.

Jane

Thank you, Jane!  I've read the Nora Roberts and Kristin Hannah but I'll certainly check out the others!

How about Kresley Cole's Immortal series. I just recently read the entire series that is out in a span of just two weeks. I would read them in order....awesome series.

The last couple ive read have been older stuff. I just finished Nora Roberts Midnight Bayou, and Linda Howards Shades of Twilight (this would def fit the bill for lots of characters). I really enjoyed both of them...liked Howards prob a bit better than Noras, but both were really good.

Along the lines of m/m i just finished Ethans Blood and Tears and loved it.

Other than this ive been reading lots of YA lately. I was kinda smutted out by the smut a thon and figured id balance it out by catchin up on some YA books.

If i can think of any others that have really stood out lately i'll come back and post again!

OMG, The Princess Bride!! That is on my keeper shelf but I didn't think about it.

I'll check into those others, too!

I've recently read Blackberry Summer by Raeanne Thayne & Coming Home by Mariah Stewart.

Both have the small town setting with lots of secondary characters & were very enjoyable.

White Lies by Linda Howard.  My sister and i couldn't put it down!  It is dated (written in the 80's) but I discovered it while exploring a NTM library over the summer and picked it up on impulse.

I am reading Love Immortal by Felicity Heaton and can't put it down - laundry is piling up, the house is a mess and I skipped a gym class to read this....it's a paranormal romance, but really beautifully written.

if you are interested in the Vorkosigan series, if you buy the latest book (Cryoburn) in hardback it include a cd of all the books in the series in many ebook formats.  I actually couldnt find one of the books on the cd, so I got that one in audio book.  audio format was good too.

While looking for The Princess Bride on my keeper shelf last night, I realized I have the three newest in the Fools Gold series (Susan Mallery).  It fits the bill perfectly! 

Thanks for all the suggestions, though.  I'll keep them in mind.

Have you read Nalini Singh's Psy Changeling series?  Its paranormal and very entertaining.

Ani, I was going to suggest the Fools Gold series!  Like VR, it's a small-town series where you get to know a lot of characters.  Hope you enjoy it!

Other stuff I've read recently that might fit the bill (but might be books you've read already) are the Three Kisses trilogy by Christie Ridgway (the first one is Crush on You), and the Wilder series by Jill Shalvis.  If by chance you haven't read the Shalvis series, I have the first two books of the series ready to post, just haven't gotten around to it (I believe they are both WLed).

I'm so sorry about your dad- I underdstand about finding it hard to get into anything while going through the grief.  Hope you find something that gets you back on the reading horse!

ETA to clarify, if you are interested in the Shalvis books, just shoot me a PM.

Ani,  I know that you were a fan of the HQ Blaze Alaskan Heat series.   A new book in the series came out in September - Northern Fascination.  It's currently wishlisted, but not by much and you know how fast those HQ wishlists move!

Oooh, THANK YOU, Lynne!!  I will add it to MY WL right now!

If you liked the Virgin River series you may like the Janet Chapman Highlander series.  Nice group of people in a rural area of Maine. 

1. Charming the Highlander (2003)
2. Loving the Highlander (2003)
3. Wedding the Highlander (2003)
4. Tempting the Highlander (2004)
5. Only with a Highlander (2005)
6. Secrets of the Highlander (2008)
7. A Highlander Christmas (2009)
 

Ani ,  I'm so sorry about your dad..Hugs

Well ,this is a WL one that I just read ( got it from the Library)  It dont have a real big waiting list.

I just loved it , couldnt put it down. its contemp, not erotica

Fallen From Grace  by  Lenore  something

http://www.paperbackswap.com/Fallen-Grace-Five-Laura-Leone/book/0786247088/ 

I just gave that entire batch of Janet Chapman's to my mother (I'd finished them).  Yes, very Virgin River like. 

When I'm in a headspace where I just can't seem to get into anything, I like to reread old favorites or read new YA.

Lori Wilde has the Quilting Club, Knitting Club, Garden Club, Cookie Club, etc. books which seem to fit in the parameters you are looking for - and they were pretty good. Not a lot can match VR though - they are certainly one of the best!

As someone already mentioned, Mariah Stewart's "Home" series are also really good, esp. the latest, Hometown Girl. The hero is just sooo likeable. There are four out currently.

And of course, my very favorite author is Kristan Higgins if your looking for superb stand-alone books that will make you laugh, and fall for the heros. In my opinion, no one comes close to how spectacular she is! She is my only auto-buy author.

Finally, Allie Larkin's Stay was a really good book - doesn't necessarily meet your parameters, but it was quite good nonetheless, and its a stand alone as well.

Both Sheryl Woods and Susan Wiggs have shorter series that are set in small towns, characters linked.  I  love this sort of series and can't wait for the next VR...the Christmas one is out now and the next due in Dec (I think!!).  I've been looking for more of this type of book and have definitely found a few I am going to try from the suggestions here!