Agree the bible is a good place to start
I like Rebecca Shaw - nice gentle village stories (Turnham Malpas/BArleybridge stories)
I also like Edward Rutherfurd - London, SArum, The Forest - no too keen on the irish ones or the russia one - but the English ones are really interesting and epic following families from the past through to present day in all their ups and downs.
I also like Gervase Phinn for a bit of a titter - not sure whether that is more because I am a teacher but the anecdotes of classrooms are true to life and very very funny!!
Hope you find something to take your mind off it - failing that paint your nails!!
I also like Gervase Phinn for a bit of a titter - not sure whether that is more because I am a teacher but the anecdotes of classrooms are true to life and very very funny!!