Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.
Today’s prompt is: a freebie. Whatever subject we wanted.
so today I chose: Ten of the most relaxing books I have ever read (in no particular order)
- The Secret Garden by Francess Stodgson Burnett
This book was not what I expected and I truly ended up loving it.
Description:
When orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle’s great house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds it full of secrets. The mansion has nearly one hundred rooms, and her uncle keeps himself locked up. And at night, she hears the sound of crying down one of the long corridors.
The gardens surrounding the large property are Mary’s only escape. Then, Mary discovers a secret garden, surrounded by walls and locked with a missing key. One day, with the help of two unexpected companions, she discovers a way in. Is everything in the garden dead, or can Mary bring it back to life?
One of the most delightful and enduring classics of children’s literature, The Secret Garden has remained a firm favorite with children the world over ever since it made its first appearance. Initially published as a serial story in 1910 in The American Magazine, it was brought out in novel form in 1911.
2. Miss Read’s Village School by Miss Read
I wasn’t sure what to expect of this one but it ended up being so fun and relaxing and I can’t wait to read more in the series. I’ve read two so far.
Description: Welcome to the English village of Fairacre: a handful of thatch-roofed cottages, a church, the school, the promise of fair weather, friendly faces, and good cheer––at least most of the time. Here, everyone knows everyone else’s business, and the villagers like each other anyway (even Miss Pringle, the irascible, gloomy cleaner of Fairacre School).
With a wise heart and a discerning eye, Miss Read guides us through one crisp, glistening autumn in her village and introduces us to a cast of unforgettable characters and a world of drama, romance, and humor, all within a stone’s throw of the school. By the time winter comes, you’ll be nestled snugly into the warmth and wit of Fairacre and won’t want to leave.
3. The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
The Jeeves books are just ridiculous fun. They are full of drama but not scary or sad drama. Hilarious drama that playboy Bertie Wooster keeps getting himself into and his valet Jeeves has to get him out of. The chapters in this book were originally separate stories but they all flow together and were compiled for the book.
Description:
Upon their first appearance in 1915, Bertie Wooster and his highly competent valet Jeeves were destined to become Wodehouse’s most famous duo. The hilarious stories that feature the charmingly foppish Bertie and his equally lightheaded friends being rescued from tedious social obligations, annoying relatives, scrapes with the law, and romantic problems by the quiet interventions of Jeeves are among Wodehouse’s best-loved tales.
4. Heidi by Johanna Spyri
I just read this book and it was very simple, relaxing, and heartwarming.
Description
Little orphan Heidi goes to live high in the Alps with her gruff grandfather and brings happiness to all who know her on the mountain. When Heidi goes to Frankfurt to work in a wealthy household, she dreams of returning to the mountains and meadows, her friend Peter, and her beloved grandfather.
5. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Van Arnim
I am actually not totally finished with this book, but so far it is very relaxed and delightful.
Description:
Four disillusioned women seek respite together; polite strangers, sharing an idyllic retreat in Italy. Each carries a burden that must be lifted; each must find a way…
At San Salvatore, ghosts are exorcised and bounds broken: each woman finds her own way back to happiness, on her own terms – aided by the simple magic of an Italian Spring garden.
Any story of a struggle to break free is compelling to the human heart. One way or another, we must each break free of our own prison. This then is the story of Rose, Lotty, Scrap Dester & Mrs Fisher – and their quiet story is epic, like the poems of antiquity.
Elizabeth von Arnim’s modern classic of women’s fiction was a worldwide bestseller upon its publication in 1922. Her story struck an emotional chord with women everywhere, inspiring numerous theatre and radio adaptations, plus an Oscar nominated movie in 1991. Her supreme talent for both dreamy exposition and sharp, witty dialogue made her whole body of work hugely popular in Europe and the United States of America.
I found this one for free on Project Gutenberg.
6. Stillmeadow Daybrook by Gladys Taber
I have not actually finished this book yet, either. This is a book written with each chapter representing a month of the year. I just finished the first chapter, which was April, and I loved it. I can not wait to read more. This is a non-fiction book about a woman and her friend who live on a farm in Connecticut.
Gladys first bought the farm with her husband but he passed away, and her friend moved in with her.
Finding Gladys’ books are very hard to find and I was so excited to find this one on a bookshop on Instagram.
7. The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery
I’ve read this book twice now and it always relaxes my tense muscles as I read it.
Description:
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery is a heartwarming and empowering story about self-discovery, courage, and finding true happiness. Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows Valancy Stirling, a shy and unfulfilled woman who has spent her life conforming to the expectations of her overbearing family. When faced with unexpected news about her health, Valancy decides to break free from societal norms and live life on her own terms. Moving to a remote cabin in the Muskoka woods, she discovers love, freedom, and the joy of living authentically. With its witty humor, vivid descriptions, and unforgettable characters, The Blue Castle is a timeless tale of transformation and resilience.
8. Home to Harmony by Philip Gulley
This book is full of individual stories about Quaker pastor Sam Gardener, his family, and the quirky characters of his town. The stories connect but there isn’t one long plot throughout the book. This is the first in the series.
Description:
In this acclaimed inaugural volume in the Harmony series, master American storyteller Philip Gulley draws us into the charming world of minister Sam Gardner in his first year back in his hometown, capturing the essence of small-town life with humor and wisdom.
9. Magical Melons/renamed Caddie Woodlawn’s Family by Carol Ryrie Brink
Little Miss and I listened to Caddie Woodlawn, the first book in this series a couple of years ago and at the end of 2025 we read this one and I found it much more relaxing and sweet than the first book. It is another middle grade book but it is very relaxing.
Description:
The high-spirited Caddie is back with her lively siblings for some amusing escapades. In these fourteen stories, learn about frontier life with the seven Woodlawn children. Join them as they romp through the pages, discovering a secret horde of watermelons long after melon season, engaging in cattail fights, and adopting baby animals. You’ll also encounter of a young preacher doing a favor for a wandering Indian, a poor girl revealing a surprising talent at a medicine show, and Caddie ruining her new dress at the Independence Day celebration. These latest adventures are sure to capture every reader’s attention—and heart.
10. A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond
Oh gosh this book and the whole series. It is so cute and creative. I am sure most of you are familiar with the cartoons and the movies based on this book and the 12 other books in the series.
I have read these outloud to my daughter for about five or six years and when I am down I like to read them on my own..
Description:
Paddington Bear had traveled all the way from Peru when the Browns first met him in Paddington Station. Since then, their lives have never been quite the same . . . for ordinary things become extraordinary when a bear called Paddington is involved.
First published in 1958, A Bear Called Paddington is the first novel by Michael Bond, chronicling the adventures of this lovable bear. Paddington has charmed readers for generations with his earnest good intentions and humorous misadventures. This brand-new edition of the classic novel contains the original text by Michael Bond and illustrations by Peggy Fortnum.
Leave me some of the relaxing books you have read over the years in the comments. I’d love to add more to my list.
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Hello! Welcome to my blog. I am a blogger, homeschool mom, and I write cozy mysteries.
You can find my Gladwynn Grant Mystery series HERE.
