“Beauty made you love, and love made you beautiful.”
Planning a quiet weekend getaway? There’s no better to unwind than with a good book in hand. Whether you’re escaping to a cosy cabin, a peaceful retreat, or simply seeking a moment of calm at home, the right book companion can make all the difference. Here at What We Reading, we’ve curated the best books for a relaxing weekend that will whisk you to different worlds whilst allowing you to rest and recharge. From heartwarming stories and cosy fiction to calming narratives and feel-good novels, these books are perfect for those quiet moments of solitude. Whether you’re looking for an inspiring story of self-discovery, a charming romance, or a comforting classic, this selection offers something for everyone. So, settle in with a cup of tea and dive into these must-read books for a peaceful weekend escape. Ready to relax? Let’s get reading!
The Enchanted April – Elizabeth Von Arnim
First up on our list of the best books for a weekend getaway is Elizabeth von Arnim’s timeless classic, The Enchanted April, a transformative story set in the 1920s following four women who escape their dreary lives in England for a month-long retreat in an Italian villa. Each woman is looking for solace and renewal in their own way. Despite their differing personalities and backgrounds, the beauty of the Italian landscape works its magic, enticing out their hidden desires, vulnerabilities, and strengths.
As the days pass in the sun-drenched villa, their lives begin to change in unexpected ways as the tranquil setting encourages self-reflection, personal growth, and even romance. Von Arnim’s novel is brimming with charm and wit, exploring themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the restorative power of nature. The Enchanted April is a heartwarming story about the joy of escaping the confines of daily life and rediscovering a sense of wonder and possibility.
The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden is another beloved classic, perfect for a cosy weekend read that tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and young girl who is sent to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven, in a gloomy mansion on the English moors. Whilst exploring the estate, Mary discovers a hidden, overgrown garden that has been sealed away for years. As she begins to care for the garden, she experiences a personal transformation, growing kind and more compassionate.
Mary’s newfound optimism leads her to connect with her cousin, Colin Craven, who has been bedridden due to a mysterious illness and the neglect of his father. Through their shared efforts to revive the garden, both children begin to heal emotionally and physically, discovering the joy of nature, friendship, and love. The novel explores themes of renewal, the healing power of nature, and the importance of human connection.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry – Rachel Joyce
One morning, retiree Harold Fry receives a letter from Queenie Hennessy, an old colleague, telling him that she is in hospice care. Hit by a sudden impulse, Harold decides to walk to her, despite living hundreds of miles away. He believes that if he walks the entire distance, Queenie will stay alive until he reaches her.
As Harold makes his way across England, he encounters an array of characters and experiences moments for personal reflection and growth. Through his lone journey, Harold confronts the regrets of his past, the complexities of his marriage, and the meaning of his life. Along the way, he discovers that sometimes the most unlikely actions can lead to profound change. This heartwarming novel explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the transformative power of human connection, offering a deeply moving and uplifting story of love and hope, perfect for a comforting read over a weekend.
The Ten Thousand Doors Of January – Alix E. Harrow
January Scaller is a young woman living in the early twentieth century who discovers a world of hidden doors that lead to alternate realities. Brought up in a grand estate by her wealthy guardian, Mr. Locke, January feels isolated and controlled by the confines of her life. But when she happens upon a mysterious book and learns about the doors, she uncovers the secrets of her own past and her connection to the magical worlds beyond.
As January sets out on a journey to understand her heritage and the power of the doors, she meets challenges, confronts betrayal, and grapples with her identity. The novel explores themes of freedom, belonging, and the courage it takes to embrace one’s true self. The Ten Thousand Doors of January is a beautifully written, adventurous tale about self-discovery, the search for a home, and the importance of forging your own path. With its lush prose and intricate world-building, this novel is one of the best to take on a getaway for anyone looking for a calming read.
Check Out These Great Portal Fantasy Books
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
Another one of the most timeless classic books, perfect for a weekend getaway, Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – growing up during the American Civil War. Set in Massachusetts, the novel charts their struggles, dreams, and personal growth as they navigate the challenges of womanhood, family, and social expectations. The story is largely shaped by the influence of their mother, Marmee, who encourages them to remain kind, honest, and true to themselves, despite the hardships they face.
Each sister has a distinctive personality. As they come of age, the March sisters experience love, loss, and the realisation of their individual paths in life. Little Women explores themes of love, family, ambition, and self-sacrifice, making it a heartwarming and enduring classic. Alcott’s depiction of sisterhood and the pursuit of personal dreams continues to resonate with readers of all ages, even in 2025.
The All Girl-Filling Station’s Last Reunion – Fannie Flagg
The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion is a heartwarming and humorous novel that blends together the past and present through the lens of Sookie Poole, a Southern wife and mother who believes that she has her life all figured out – until a shocking secret from her mother’s past turns everything upside down. As Sookie begins to peel away the truth about her identity, she is pulled into the fascinating history of the Jurdabralinkis, a family of strong, independent women who ran an all-girls filling station in Wisconsin during the Second World War.
Through Sookie’s journey of self-discovery, the novel explores themes of identity, family, resilience, and what it truly means to belong somewhere. At the heart of the story is the legacy of the WASPs – Women Air Force Service Pilots – whose contributions to the war effort have been largely overlooked by history. Delivered with author Fannie Flagg’s signature warmth, wit and charm, The All Girl-Filling Station’s Last Reunion is both an engaging historical tale and a poignant exploration of finding strength where you least expect it.
The Curious Charms Of Arthur Pepper – Phaedra Patrick
Arthur Pepper is a widower living a quiet, introverted, routine existence in England, one year on from the death of his beloved wife, Miriam. His world is small and predictable – until he discovers a mysterious hidden charm bracelet among her belongings. Each charm holds a clue to a life Miriam held before she met Arthur – a life he never knew existed.
Determined to uncover the truth, Arthur sets off on a journey across England and beyond, meeting strangers, uncovering secrets, and stepping far beyond the barriers of his comfort zone. Along the way, Arthur not only learns more about Miriam’s past, but also reconnects with the world around him, finding healing, adventure and a renewed sense of purpose. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is a charming and feel-good book that is perfect for readers on a weekend getaway who love tales about how life can open up out of nowhere.
Anne Of Green Gables – L.M. Montgomery
Similar to Little Women or The Secret Garden, Anne of Green Gables is another classic weekend read that follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with elderly siblings, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, at Green Gables, a village in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Expecting a boy to help out with their farm, the Cuthberts are initially unsure about keeping Anne, however, her vibrant personality soon wins them over.
Anne’s life at Green Gables is filled with adventure, mischief, and heartfelt moments as she navigates school, makes lifelong friends, and sometimes clashes with her rival, Gilbert Blythe. Her vivid imagination often gets her into trouble, but it is also what endears her to the community. At its core, Anne of Green Gables is a charming, coming-of-age story about belonging, love, and the power of imagination. A joyful read, the novel is full of rich descriptions of nature, gentle humour, and memorable characters who take readers on an adventure into a simpler, more hopeful world.
Check Out The Best Books To Escape Reality
The Light We Lost – Jill Santopolo
Jill Santopolo’s The Light We Lost is a deeply romantic novel about love, fate, and the decisions that shape our lives. The story follows Lucy and Gabe, who meet as college students in New York City on the day of the September 11 attacks – a moment that changes their lives forever. Their instant connection grows into an intense and passionate love, but life soon pulls them in very different directions. But, despite the physical distance and passage of time, their bond remains powerful and haunting, leading them to question the paths they’ve opted for and their sacrifices.
The Light We Lost is a beautifully written and bittersweet exploration of first love, destiny, and the enduring impact of a connection that never truly goes away. It’s a moving story that is sure to resonate with readers over the course of a short break away.
The Comfort Food Diaries – Emily Nunn
One of the best books for a weekend getaway for anyone looking for a new non-fiction read, Emily Nunn’s The Comfort Food Diaries blends personal storytelling with the healing power of food. After experiencing a series of personal losses, including the end of a relationship and the loss of her brother, Emily finds herself lost. She embarks on a road trip across America, visiting friends and family, and sharing meals that not only offer nourishment but also emotional healing.
Along the way, Emily collects recipes, stories, and wisdom from the people she meets, exploring how food often carries with it deep emotional significance and memories. From Southern staples to cherished family dishes, the meals she encounters serve as a reminder of love, community, and resilience. The Comfort Food Diaries is a warm and thoughtful read for anyone who believes in the restorative power of a good meal shared with good people.
Where The Crawdads Sing – Delia Owens
Where the Crawdads Sing is a beautifully atmospheric novel that blends mystery, romance, and a powerful coming-of-age story. Set within the marshes of North Carolina, the novel follows Kya Clark, who the locals have dubbed the ‘Marsh Girl’, who grows up isolated from society after being abandoned by her family.
Raised by nature and the wildlife around her, Kya is resourceful, independent, and deeply connected to the natural world. As she grows up, she forms a fragile connection with the people from a nearby town, including Tate, who teaches her how to read, and Chase, whose attention soon brings both excitement and danger. When Chase is later discovered dead, suspicion quickly falls on Kya, forcing her to confront the prejudices of the community that has long shunned her. Delia Owens’ story is a captivating tale perfect for readers who love richly descriptive settings and profound emotional depth.
Check Out The Best Books Like Where The Crawdads Sing
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
