Some of the cranesbill-type geraniums are pretty unfussy and grow under our yew tree in very dry shade.  I have been told that epimediums are similarly tolerant, but have never tried them. Good sources of inspiration would be Beth Chatto's Dry Garden, or Alys Fowler's website.  Alys is my inspiration these days - I am just reading her book "The Edible Garden".
Re: Me before You.  I was given this book by Jo Jo Moyes a few years ago and found it one of the most beautiful and moving stories I had ever read.  Upbeat, surprisingly, given the subject matter.  Maybe give it a try one day?