Buying my mum a book - which one? need options!

Missy_Spud

Hi, I want to get my mum a book for christmas but im not really into reading so im a bit stuck knowing what to get, i know she like books by catherine cookson (she has read msot of them) and authors like her.

She likes progs on tv about olden times and the drama's they often show on itv like downton abbey (similar sort of time period etc) so i need sort of books like that lol if that makes any sense at all!

If anyone can give me any idea of other authors, or books like this let me know thanks

alisara

How about Josephine Cox, very light but a lot of the books are set in olden times.

Apricot

My nan enjoys the Catherine Cookson books and has asked me this year for the new Maeve Binchy book - It's called Minding Frankie £9.50 in Asda or £9.95 in WH Smith

new2u

Jessica Sterling or Lena Kennedy are similar writers to Catherine Cookson and their books are usually under £5 from asda or Amazon
http://www.asda-entertainment.co.uk/books/elysium.search?search=jessica+stirling&searchFilters=Qm9va3MjZGVwYXJ0bWVudDpib29rcyE%3D

want2move2010

Not a novel but I also like Downton Abbey and have added a hardback Downton Abbey book to my christmas wishlist - looked at it in the bookshop and its lovely. RRP £20, down to £9 on amazon

In_for_a_Bargain

Katie Flynn is very similar to Catherine Cookson too.

Sphynx

Charlotte Bingham writes good historical drama in that ilk. My Mum likes her stuff anyway

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kissing-Garden-Charlotte-Bingham/dp/0553507176/ref=sr_1_29?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1319041727&sr=1-29

unsure

How about getting her a book token, then she can also have the pleasure of choosing (providing she can get to a bookshop)... or an amazon voucher if she is a computer user?

I'd hesitate to buy someone a book without knowing they want it or will definitely read it (nothing sadder than an unread book waiting for the next jumble sale!). I'd be tempted to ask her along the lines of "Mum, I know you like reading, and I was thinking of buying you a book for Christmas, is there any particular one you'd like?" That way she'll know you've thought of her and will get a book she wants. I've done this a few times, including last week and it has thrown up a few surprises which I'd never have guessed.

By contrast, I'm an avid reader and have been given books I would never want to read, by people just guessing what they think my taste might be. Of course, I've quickly forced the smile and said "Just what I wanted, thank you so much" before putting
said volume aside forever! But I'd prefer to have had a say and got a book I'd like!

If you don't want to consult your mum in advance, most books shops will give a gift receipt if asked, which she can use to exchange the book (as long as you haven't written in it!) if it isn't one she wants.
If the surprise is important to you or her you can always add a little extra gift.

scottishminnie

My mother has quite a lot of books by Lesley Pearse. I've read a few and I think the would appeal to someone who likes Catherine Cookson.

some of them here although I suspect you can get them cheaper elsewhere.