Last week I found myself seeking out escapist fare. Earlier in the week, I watched "Mrs. Miniver," a movie ranked number 40 on the American Film Institute's list of the most inspirational films of all time. It's an seriously fluffy movie about the middle class English family in the early days of WWII.

But more distraction from the dismal news of the week was required. Celia's House fit the bill. Lightly romantic with occasional mild dissent set in an old family house in Scotland. Think of a sunnier version of Maeve Binchey. Or Angela Thirkell without the silliness.

Celia's House amply met my need for distraction from the news of the day. Unfortunately I finished it a bit too soon. There are still two days until the midterm election, and I need to arm myself with distraction. Fortunately, I have Listening Valley, companion novel to Celia's House in my to-read stack.