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I liked the Nanny Diaries, but certainly didn't find it lighthearted. But then again, I'm a working mom with a nanny, and spent much of the book angsting: "OMG! Do I do that?! Am I like that?!" (I'm not, but why not worry if you can?)
I strongly second Wrigley's recommendation of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon -- these are just amazing books and characters. And also Cluey's recommendation on A Prayer for Owen Meany, my favorite book of all time, too, though not always lighthearted (and for heaven's sake don't even think about that awful Simon Birch movie, which didn't hold a candle to it).
Shopgirl by Steve Martin is pretty lighthearted and funny, and very smart. Also hysterically funny and smart is just about anything by Bill Bryson -- I recommend A Walk in the Woods (he decides to hike the Appalachian Trail) and In a Sunburned Country (Australia). These are easily to put down and pick up over time, whereas Outlander and Owen Meany will have you just about glued to your chair for The Duration.
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