Celia Imrie Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Celia Imrie's Books

Celia Imrie's literary catalog splits into two distinct, highly enjoyable paths. If you are in the mood for lighthearted, character-driven comedy filled with eccentric personalities, cozy mysteries, and sunny settings, you should begin with her signature Bellevue-sur-Mer (Nice) Series. For readers who prefer rich, emotionally resonant historical fiction based on real-world events, her standalone historical novels—developed in collaboration with researcher Fidelis Morgan—make the ideal starting point.

Regardless of which path you choose, her background as one of Britain's most beloved comedic and dramatic actresses shines through. Her writing is celebrated for its theatrical pacing, sharp dialogue, and deep affection for human quirks.

The Bellevue-sur-Mer (Nice) Series

Set in a fictional, picturesque coastal town nestled near Nice on the glamorous French Riviera, this trilogy follows a group of British expats who relocate to France in search of a fresh start, only to find themselves entangled in local secrets, financial escapades, and unexpected romances. To fully appreciate the evolving relationships and returning character arcs, readers should follow the publication order:

• Not Quite Nice (2015): Introduces Theresa, a recent retiree who moves to Bellevue-sur-Mer to escape family obligations, only to discover that her new expat neighbors are harboring an array of colorful and occasionally scandalous secrets.
• Nice Work (If You Can Get It) (2016): The adventure continues as the expat community faces new challenges, including a mysterious newcomer and a local restaurant venture that threatens to disrupt their sunny paradise.
• A Nice Cup of Tea (2019): The third installment finds the Bellevue-sur-Mer regulars dealing with the complications of aging, old flames resurfacing, and a shared effort to save a local estate.

The Historical Fiction Standalones

For her historical novels, Imrie partners with her long-time friend, actress, and historian Fidelis Morgan, who conducts deep archival research to ensure historical accuracy. These books are standalone narratives that can be read in any order:

• Orphans of the Storm (2021): Set in 1912, this novel weaves a fictional story of a young French mother, Marcella, with the harrowing true story of the Navratil family—specifically the two young boys who were abducted by their father and boarded the RMS Titanic under false identities.
• Meet Me at Rainbow Corner (2024): Moving to London in 1944, this novel centers on the famous American Red Cross club "Rainbow Corner" in Piccadilly. It follows Dot, a young nurse from Liverpool, and Lilly, a colonel's assistant, as they navigate the trials of the Blitz, internal espionage, romance with American GIs, and their eventual journeys to the United States as war brides.

Contemporary Standalone and Memoirs

Imrie has also written contemporary fiction and memoirs that highlight her adventurous spirit and love of travel:

• Sail Away (2018): A humorous contemporary standalone novel featuring Suzy Marshall, a struggling actress, and Amanda Herbert, a woman facing a housing crisis. The two women find themselves aboard an Atlantic cruise ship where they must navigate comedic mishaps and suspicious shipboard activities.
• The Happy Hoofer (2011): Imrie's candid, engaging autobiography detailing her childhood in Surrey, her battle with anorexia, her rise through the British theater and television ranks, and her collaborations with Victoria Wood.
• The Elegant Hustler: My Life in Adventures (Scheduled for October 2026): A travel-focused memoir capturing her life's adventures on trains and ships around the world, from filming locations in India to journeys across Europe and America.

Complete Bibliography by Publication Date

1. The Happy Hoofer (Non-Fiction Memoir, 2011)
2. Not Quite Nice (Nice Series #1, 2015)
3. Nice Work (If You Can Get It) (Nice Series #2, 2016)
4. Sail Away (Standalone Novel, 2018)
5. A Nice Cup of Tea (Nice Series #3, 2019)
6. Orphans of the Storm (Standalone Historical Novel, 2021)
7. Meet Me at Rainbow Corner (Standalone Historical Novel, 2024)
8. The Elegant Hustler: My Life in Adventures (Non-Fiction Memoir, Scheduled for 2026)

What to Know Before You Start

Imrie's fiction mirrors the warmth and wit of her famous screen roles (such as Miss Babs in Acorn Antiques or Mrs. Quickly in Nanny McPhee). Her expat novels offer light, relaxing escapism reminiscent of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, while her historical books do not shy away from the real-life dangers, grief, and complexities of the early 20th century. By keeping these tonal differences in mind, you can choose the perfect book for your current reading mood.