First, let me direct you to first two posts about light fiction, here and here, as there are a lot of good suggestions there as well! And then I'll add to it with some additional light fiction choices I've read in the last year or so.
The Overdue Life of Amy Byler by Kelly Harms - This was a very cute book, basically chick lit for grownups. The main character of the title has been raising her kids alone since her husband left them a few years before; when he suddenly returns and wants to spend time with the kids, she reluctantly takes a week to go to NYC by herself and ends up embarking on a journey of self-discovery. A good mix of light and funny with real emotions and thoughts on parenting and divorce, and since the main character is a librarian, there are also lots of literary references that makes it a smart book as well. And since you are probably stuck in the house with your own kids right now, reading a book about someone who gets to escape from theirs is probably a fun idea!
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory - In this chick lit (bordering on romance novel), Alexa and Drew meet cute in a stalled elevator, and he spontaneously ends up asking her to pretend to be his wedding date for the wedding he's in town to attend the next day, and then things develop from there. In many books like this, there would be contrivances that keep the characters from getting together until the very last second, so I loved that the author didn't resort to that while still keeping plenty of narrative tension, plus getting to explore the start of a relationship between two smart interesting characters each with their own flaws. Such a fun read. And bonus, if you enjoy it, Jasmine Guillory has written 3 quasi-sequels (each about different characters) so this can keep you busy binge-reading for a while.
Twenty-one Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks - This novel was written solely in the form of lists written by the main character, a very creative and original device - and also one that makes for perfect light reading if you find you can only concentrate a little bit at a time. At the same time, it was amazing how much nuance and emotion this book had given the list format. I really felt like I got the main character more than in many books written more conventionally. Many laugh out loud lines, plus a few deep thoughts that resonated. I found myself agreeing with some list items and arguing with others. Really enjoyed this quirky and unique book.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston - Such a cute book, loved it and could not put it down! Set in a slightly parallel universe to ours, where the son of the first female president of the US and a prince of England who have always disliked each other since first meeting, are forced to pretend to be friends for the media to avert an international relations problem, and discover that not only do they like each other, but they *like* each other. So a chick lit/rom com type set up but about two guys very much in the public eye. Just the right balance of humor, romance, politics, and emotions. This one is definitely a possibility for my 2020 top 10 list.
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson - In this novel, Lillian is a somewhat aimless 28 year old who gets summoned by Madison, the rich roommate she had in her one year of boarding school as a scholarship student - and asked to take care of Madison's two step-children, who literally catch on fire when they get upset. But while that plot description certainly tells you this book is unique, it really can't capture how weird and wonderful it is. This is a touch heavier than the other books I've described above, but a short and quick read so I will include it nonetheless.
And finally, may I also direct you to my Top 10 Books of 2019 for descriptions of several more books which might fit the bill, especially The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, Evvie Drake Starts Over, and The Last Book Party.
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