Page 7 of The Happiness Project

I can almost feel the collective sigh of relief as Sarah nods her understanding.

‘I do have a more uplifting idea,’ she says. ‘There’s a book I’ve been planning to read for ages, about a couple who hit rock bottom and find their way by walking the South West coastal path.’

‘I know that one and it’s always among the bestsellers in my bookshop. It’s called The Salt Path,’ says Caroline. ‘It’s by Raynor Winn and I’ve heard fabulous things about it.’

I’ve relaxed a little now I know for sure it isn’t sci-fi, but I have to say, a book about walking doesn’t really float my boat any more than a weepie. It sounds a bit dull but I hold my piece, waiting for the others’ reactions.

‘They just walk? For the whole book?’ asks Ed, echoing my thoughts again. ‘That wouldn’t normally appeal but if you think it’s worthwhile then I’m happy to give it a go.’

‘Charlie will be terrified if he sees me reading about a long-distance walk,’ says Peter, laughing. ‘He’ll think I’m going to be inspired and drag him out to buy hiking boots.’

‘You’ll definitely have to pretend you are,’ I say. ‘I can just imagine him panicking because none of the walking gear flatters his colouring.’

‘Worth reading for that alone,’ says Peter. ‘Okay — it’s a thumbs up from me.’

And so I add my vote and it goes on the list.

‘Did anyone get any good books for Christmas?’ I ask. ‘There might be one that a few of us got or we all want to read. I got Demon Copperhead, which I can’t wait to start reading.’

‘Hmm,’ says Sarah. ‘I’m not sure I fancy that. I know it’s won awards but that’s not always a sign that it’s good, is it?’

I frown at her and am about to say that, actually, it is usually a sign that it’s good, but around me I notice a muted murmur of agreement, suggesting that Barbara Kingsolver isn’t going to make it onto our list. Although I love her writing, I already know that Ed is far more of a murder-mystery buff, Peter is a fan of historical fiction and Caroline enjoys romance. However, in the spirit of the club, I’m still sure that it would have been at least considered without Sarah’s comment.

‘We should pick something to tie in with another trip for later in the year,’ says Caroline, moving the conversation on and obviously trying to throw me a bone after my idea has been rejected.

‘Angie runs a travel agency,’ Ed explains to Sarah. ‘And last year we picked a couple of books linked to a location and we all went on a trip there for the actual meeting. It was great fun, so we’ve decided that we’ll do two a year and the first is at the end of the month.’

Sarah gives a quiet nod but says no more.

‘We try to support each other’s businesses,’ I add. ‘We buy our books from Caroline too. What do you do?’

‘I run a tea shop not far from the canal,’ she says. ‘It’s just a small place but you’d all be welcome and I’m sure we could do you a discount on the cakes.’

That gets a far more hearty response than any book is likely to tonight.

‘Sounds wonderful, and we should definitely hold one of our meetings there if you want us to,’ says Caroline. ‘But there’s no need for a discount — we’re all small-business owners and we know how tough it can be.’

‘Then I’ll just give you all bigger slices,’ Sarah says with a smile. She raises her glass and we clink a toast. I think our new member might fit in rather well.

Ed picks up the thread of travel again and I realise he’s been determined to get one of his choices onto the list. There’s an obvious theme as he suggests several Dan Browns and Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose.

‘I’m guessing you’re after a trip to Italy,’ I say, to which he holds his palms up.

‘Mea culpa.’

‘I like the idea of Rome but I find Umberto Eco’s writing style really difficult to read and I’ve finished all of the Robert Langdon series so I’d like something different,’ says Peter.

‘And does it have to be a thriller?’ I ask, knowing this genre is Ed’s passion. ‘After all, we’re already reading a dark crime for the Lake District trip.’

‘Okay,’ sighs Ed. ‘If the group is keen on Rome then I’ll research something other than crime and come back to everyone later.’

He gets a nod of thanks from everyone and we move back to our list, putting on Caroline’s choice — a romantic comedy — and a historical fiction novel about the burning of the Pendle witches for Peter.

‘That’s quite a range for the start of the year,’ says Sarah. ‘I wouldn’t have chosen any of your books myself, so I’m really looking forward to them.’

I know everyone’s taste in books, so the only real surprise for me is Sarah’s choice. I’m not sure when I’m going to get the chance to enjoy my beloved Demon Copperhead with all these others to read — I’ll probably have to get the audiobooks and listen in the car.

Having completed our task, we order another round of drinks and conversation turns to finding out more about Sarah.

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