The Shell Seekers discussion

I love Rosamunde Pilcher for some reason. True, I haven't read this one yet, but I will, and I was wondering if there are some other writers like her? I don't mean Nora Roberts and her description of English country side, but more.. I don't know, Pilcher-like?

Have you ever read any Maeve Binchy? I went through a huge Rosamunde Pilcher/Maeve Binchy phase a few years ago, and remember them being similar. Circle of Friends was my favorite of her books.

By the way, The Shell Seekers is my absolute favorite Rosamunde Pilcher novel; I reread it every few years. I recommend you read it ASAP.

I went through the Maeve Bincy/Rosamunde Pilcher phase also and I am always looking for that same type of Pilcher-like style. Please recommend if you find other authors like her.

If you enjoy Rosamunde Pilcher I would suggest giving Susan Sallis a try. I have just finished Lydia Fielding. Her books are set in the West Country and to me are equally absorbing.

Thanks for suggestion on Susan Sallis; I will give her a try and report back.

Whenever I read or re-read a Rosamunde Pilcher novel, I want to travel to Cornwall, England and Scotland. Her novels must be great for Tourism in Great Britain.

Her son, Robin Pilcher, also writes books. I read one "A Rist Worth Taking". It was a good read, and is also set in Scotland, as many of Rosamund Pilcher's books are (as well as Cornwall).

It is a while since I read this book (I have read it twice), and I want to read it again. Makes me wonder what my kids will think after I depart this world, and they read my diaries!!

The books aren't set in England. but I love Belva Plain just as much as Rosamunde Pilcher. I think they have a similar style, and I re-read them as well.

Loved "The Shell Seekers" and keep a copy just in case I need something to sink into......Also loved "Light a Penny Candle" by Maeve Binchy.....always keep them on the shelf for "emergency readings">

I read all Pilcher's books. They were lovely and truly like going away on vacation. She wrote so eloquently of places that you wanted to visit those places one day. Belva Plain is a good writer. Maeve Binchy now she is a good writer. Waiting for Minding Frankie. That should be another tear jerker. Her later books are good.

Loved the Shell Seekers. Have read it twice, and will do so again.

Me too. I even bought it for my kindle to have "just in case" I need something soothing to read.

I like her books, Haven't read any of her books in awhile. Saw parts of the Shell Seekers movie with Angela Lansbury.

Marcia Willett writes in a similar style to to Rosamunde Pilcher and Amanda Broookfield, love them all.

Thanks Linda, that's two authors I haven't heard of...I will look them up. The Shell Seekers and Light a Penny Candle were such great summer reads.

Another author who writes so beautifully is Maeve Binchy she is the author of Light a Penny Candle, Circle of Friends, and what I am reading now Minding Frankie.

I've read all of Maeve Binchy's except 'Minding Frankie' which is on my wish list.

I am enjoying this book. I like the way Maeve Binchy writes her characters, with foibles and all, much like the human race.

I liked this book but Rosamunde Pilcher is quite boring in my opinion... She keeps repeating herself in all of her books... She doesn't have new ideas...

Lorraine wrote: "Her son, Robin Pilcher, also writes books. I read one "A Rist Worth Taking". It was a good read, and is also set in Scotland, as many of Rosamund Pilcher's books are (as well as Cornwall)."

yes, I read that one first, also and was quite intrigued with it. It was made into a movie but I never saw it.

Robin wrote: "I am enjoying this book. I like the way Maeve Binchy writes her characters, with foibles and all, much like the human race."

yes, her characters are quite believable...ones people can relate to

Nazomi wrote: "I love Rosamunde Pilcher for some reason. True, I haven't read this one yet, but I will, and I was wondering if there are some other writers like her? I don't mean Nora Roberts and her description ..."

yes, I did the same, read all the Pilcher books and most of the Binchy stories

Lisa wrote: "Whenever I read or re-read a Rosamunde Pilcher novel, I want to travel to Cornwall, England and Scotland. Her novels must be great for Tourism in Great Britain. "

I would love to take the Scotland, Ireland, and Great Britian tour some day. So would my husband. Maybe there will be an opportuntiy and money for it.

Anne wrote: "Loved the Shell Seekers. Have read it twice, and will do so again."

I haven't read it twice...I keep finding new authors to read.

Danielle wrote: "The books aren't set in England. but I love Belva Plain just as much as Rosamunde Pilcher. I think they have a similar style, and I re-read them as well."

yes, I have read most of Belva Plain's novels. There are many which are in a series.

Anne wrote: "Loved the Shell Seekers. Have read it twice, and will do so again."

I haven't really read many novels twice...I think I like the element of surprise...so when I know what the outcome is, it kind of spoils a second read for me.

Kristen wrote: "Have you ever read any Maeve Binchy? I went through a huge Rosamunde Pilcher/Maeve Binchy phase a few years ago, and remember them being similar. Circle of Friends was my favorite of her books.

..."also read September, which is my favourite. I read it when I need a lift and some gracious living.

Beth wrote: "Loved "The Shell Seekers" and keep a copy just in case I need something to sink into......Also loved "Light a Penny Candle" by Maeve Binchy.....always keep them on the shelf for "emergency readings">"

Light a Penny Candle is truly her best, which is impressive. I haven't read it for years, but the language and story have stayed with me. Time to dig it out and give it another read.

I will have to check one out again. It was ages ago I read it and have forgotten the plot line. But I do remember their was one I really liked of hers and wonder if that was the one.

I am reading The country of pointed firs for my book club. It's about Maine and was written about 1899 by Sarah orne Jewett. Every time I pick it up I'm reminded of Rosamund Pilchers books and I read those many years ago.

Emilie Richards is pretty good, a little corny, She has the Shenandoah series, some books on the Florida keys, chick books for sure. I am currently reading Iron Lace by her, not too bad, let's face it, very difficult to compare many authors with Piltcher and Binchy. P.D. James is also good, set in England, mystery, though.

Peg - Thanks for the Sarah orne Jewett suggestion. I put it on my "to read" list. I'll need this when I've exhausted the Pilcher books.

Anne Perry is a good British author, but she writes mysteries set in Victorian England. Miss Read is another British author who writes stories of English countryside.

I think what is longed for in other books that Pilcher provides is the smell of peat burning, foot thick windowsills, craggy moors, and wet woolies. I can smell those fires throughout her books.

Lorrie, I know exactly what you mean. I feel like I am there with the characters, every step of the way.

I haven't read Emilie Richards, Annie. I've never even heard of her. I didn't care for Binchy. Do you suggest I try Richards? Is she romance or just good fiction?

Richards is OK, nothing to rave about, but they are a quick read, if you're in the mood for a not so currently themed "chick" book.

I read The Shell Seekers and thought I had discovered a great new author. Imagine my surprise when I discovered she is now 87 and retired from writing in 2000. This does not detract from her body of work specializing in British and Scottish generational themes. The characters are so real they become almost like family you love and care about. September didn't quite enthrall, but no one describes a Scottish countryside like Pilcher. She extolls the beauty of the British Isles like a veteran travel agent. Her description of Ibiza, an island off Italy, sizzles like the hot, bright sun reflecting off the sheer cliffs along the Pacific Ocean.

I also have read most of the Rosamund Pilcher novels - my mom read them first and that is how I discovered her - many years ago. Then I discovered Robin Pilcher, http://www.robinpilcher.co.uk/ her son, who writes in a similar style, and enjoyed them also. Others have mentioned Maeve Binchy - location is in Ireland - but I would say different. I also have recently found Marcia Willett http://www.marciawillett.co.uk/ and think her style is similar to the Pilchers. I also ran across 2 books at used book sales - picked them up for me and to give to my aunt who enjoys similar: they are both 'Rosamunde Pilcher's Bookshelf' (you can see how they caught my attention!). I have read one of the two so far (b: below) and enjoyed it. They are both by Mary Sheepshanks a) A Price for Everything and b)Picking Up the Pieces http://www.marynickson.co.uk/ Mary Nickson is another name she writes under.

Thanks for the suggestions of Marcia Willett and Mary Nickson.

I agree.....thanks for the recommendations. I'm adding them to my list!

I read all of Rosamund Pilcher's books long ago. They were sort of like Maeve Binchy books.

Rosamunde Pilcher's book "Coming Home" is one of my favorite books of all time. I have lost count of how many times I have read it!! I absolutely love all of her books, even the "small" ones that were written for magazines before "Shell Seekers". Her son, Robin, has written some good books too..."An Ocean Apart" is really great!

This is the only Pilcher book I've ever read - and I read it at least 20 years ago. I just bought a new copy and will re-read it now. Should be interesting after all these years to see if I approach the book differently.

I only remember it being the first book I ever cried at the ending - I was so attached to the lead character.

If you like this kind of writing do try Ruby Thomas - she has written many very different but excellent stories and again has a good sense of location and family.

Has someone already mentioned to you about her son's books? Robin Pilcher?

I like the author. You might like Maeve Binchy also.

Martha wrote: "Lisa wrote: "Whenever I read or re-read a Rosamunde Pilcher novel, I want to travel to Cornwall, England and Scotland. Her novels must be great for Tourism in Great Britain. "

I would love to take..."

Plan for it or it will never happen! Start doing something. Even putting aside $10 per week will be doing something and will give you hope which will make you make it happen!

I am a broke schoolteacher and I have been all over the place (including Scotland and England many times.) And it hasn't happened because I could afford it. Once you travel to your dream spot you'll find more and more places you want to go.

You can do it! Good luck.

Vicki wrote: "Kristen wrote: "Have you ever read any Maeve Binchy? I went through a huge Rosamunde Pilcher/Maeve Binchy phase a few years ago, and remember them being similar. Circle of Friends was my favorite o..."

September is also my favourite......I have all the Maeve Binchy's on my bookshelf except herlatest. But I have a birthday coming up and that is on my wishlist.