Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Have Got Me Through Lockdown

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly post hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

Today (March 23rd) marks a year since the UK went into its first lockdown due to the Covid pandemic, and so I thought it seemed apt to do a post reflecting on my year of reading since then. I wouldn't say my taste has changed exactly, but I have gravitated towards more uplifting reads - particularly rom-coms and historical romance. Many of these books have already featured on my Top Ten Reads of 2020 post, but there's a few sneaky additions from the past few months in there too. So, without further ado and in no particular order here are the books that got me through lockdown! 

The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets, Eva Rice - This one is an all time favourite of mine, and was just as gorgeous second time around. It's a dreamy 1950s coming of age story with echoes of  I Capture the Castle.

Red, White & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston - I finally gave into the hype and gave this one a go, and now I'm obsessed. America's First Son falls for Prince Henry of England in a fun, flirty and downright swoonworthy story. I adored it.

Christmas at Frozen Falls, Kiley Dunbar - I'm a sucker for stories set in Lapland, and this one really warmed my heart. What's not to love about love under the Northern Lights?

The Hating Game, Sally Thorne - Because of course this was going to make my list. This is my go-to read whenever I need cheering up, and I reread it at least once a year. Enemies to lovers at its best.

Wicked By Design, Katy Moran - Poldark collides with War and Peace in this fast paced and fun historical adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am eagerly awaiting the sequel!

The Other Miss Bridgerton, Julia Quinn - Yes The Duke and I is the obvious Bridgerton book to feature, but have you ever been held captive by a handsome smuggler who is actually a secret agent for The Crown? Heart eyes emoji.

Brideshead Revisted, Evelyn Waugh - The only 'classic' I've tacked this past year. Nothing like the downfall of the English aristocracy and their beautiful homes to take your mind off the here and now. 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - This book had been on my radar for a while, but I didn't expect to fall completely in love with it! Yes it's harrowing in parts but it is such a comforting and cosy read. A new all time favourite.

Finale, Stephanie Garber - Goodreads tells me I was actually reading this the day lockdown began, and what better way to escape than into the wonderful, whimsical world of  Caraval? 

The Inheritance Games, Jennifer Lynn Barnes - Paper Princess (remember that series? I was obsessed!) meets Knives Out. I picked this up on a whim and ended up practically reading it in one sitting. I'm still on tenterhooks for the sequel.

So there we have it! Just a few of the wonderful reads that have helped me escape reality this past year. Which books have helped you the most recently? Have you got a favourite fictional world?