If you enjoy reading books by Jennifer Donnelly then you might also like the following authors:
Kate Morton writes novels that weave together family secrets and mysteries from the past. Her book, “The Forgotten Garden,” tells the story of a woman named Cassandra who inherits a cottage on the Cornish coast.
Inside, she finds clues about her grandmother’s mysterious childhood, including an abandoned girl placed on a ship to Australia with no explanation. The story moves between generations, connecting lives across time in unexpected ways.
Morton’s writing explores how choices made years ago can ripple through generations.
Kristin Hannah is a writer known for creating emotional and immersive stories that often explore resilience and the bonds between people. Her novel, “The Nightingale,” is set during World War II and tells the story of two sisters in Nazi-occupied France.
One joins the resistance, risking her life to save others, while the other must navigate the dangers of survival under German rule. The book focuses on their struggles, sacrifices, and the choices they make to protect their loved ones.
It’s a heartfelt tale of courage and survival.
Susanna Kearsley writes stories that blend romance, history, and a touch of mystery. One of her books, “The Winter Sea,” centers on a writer, Carrie McClelland, who travels to Scotland to research a historical novel.
While there, she uncovers a connection between her story and her own ancestry. The book moves between the present day and the early 18th century, where a Jacobite rebellion is unfolding. The historical details and emotional connections in the story make it hard to put down.
Lucinda Riley is an author known for her sweeping family sagas and richly detailed stories. One of her standout books is “The Seven Sisters,” the first in a series inspired by the Pleiades star cluster.
It follows Maia D’Aplièse, the eldest of six adopted sisters, who returns to her childhood home after her father’s death. There, she discovers a mysterious letter and a clue that leads her to Rio de Janeiro.
As she uncovers secrets about her past, the story shifts between modern-day Brazil and the 1920s, weaving together love, loss, and history. Riley’s ability to bring both time periods to life makes her a great pick for readers who enjoy pieces that link the past to the present.
Diana Gabaldon is known for crafting stories that combine history and romance with unforgettable characters. Her novel “Outlander” follows Claire Randall, a nurse in 1945 who finds herself transported back to 1743 Scotland.
Caught between two worlds, she becomes entangled with Jamie Fraser, a Highland warrior grappling with danger and rebellion. The story blends time travel with historical drama, creating a world rich in emotion and conflict.
Fans of Jennifer Donnelly’s gripping historical tales might find themselves drawn to Gabaldon’s storytelling as well.
Philippa Gregory is a historian and novelist known for bringing historical figures to life through her storytelling. One of her books, “The Other Boleyn Girl,” focuses on Mary Boleyn, the sister of Anne Boleyn.
Mary is drawn into King Henry VIII’s court, where she becomes his mistress before her sister captures his attention. The story weaves through palace politics, family ambitions, and betrayal, painting a vivid picture of the Tudor court.
Fans of rich historical dramas will recognize the immersive world Gregory creates in this novel.
Sarah Jio is known for writing emotionally rich novels that often blend past and present. In “The Violets of March,” a struggling writer named Emily travels to Bainbridge Island after her marriage falls apart.
There, she discovers an old diary that reveals a long-buried love story tied to her own life. With vivid settings and heartfelt characters, Jio creates a world where secrets from the past shape the present.
Readers who enjoy Jennifer Donnelly’s mix of history and personal journeys might find Jio’s work interesting.
Beatriz Williams writes historical fiction that often weaves together love, secrets, and personal struggles across different time periods. Her book “A Hundred Summers” is set in the summer of 1938, in a wealthy seaside town.
Lily Dane, a young woman spending her days at her family’s summer home, encounters her former fiancé and his new wife, who was once her best friend.
As the story unfolds, deep betrayals and long-buried truths bubble to the surface, all against the backdrop of an approaching hurricane. Williams creates vivid settings and characters caught between societal expectations and their own desires.
It’s a story full of tension that leaves readers eager to uncover what really happened between them.
Paula McLain writes historical fiction that brings characters and settings to life in a vivid way. Her novel “The Paris Wife” focuses on Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway, and their years in Paris during the 1920s.
The story follows their marriage as they navigate the bohemian lifestyle of the time, rubbing shoulders with famous writers and artists. There’s a mix of glamour and struggle as the pressures of Hemingway’s rising career and personal betrayals take their toll.
It’s an immersive look at love and ambition in a fascinating time period.
Tatiana de Rosnay is a French author known for her emotional and deeply human stories. One of her most well-known books, “Sarah’s Key,” weaves together two narratives.
It follows Julia Jarmond, a journalist in modern-day Paris, as she uncovers the history of the 1942 Vel' d’Hiv roundup during World War II.
Julia’s investigation leads her to the story of a young Jewish girl named Sarah, who locks her younger brother in a cupboard to protect him before being taken away with her family.
The book explores how the past can ripple through generations, tying people together in unexpected ways.
Lisa Wingate is an author who writes stories that often explore family, history, and resilience. Her book “Before We Were Strangers” centers on a woman’s journey to uncover the truth behind a tragic event in her family’s past.
Set between modern times and the 1930s, it weaves together the stories of two women whose lives are shaped by loss, secrets, and unexpected connections. The emotional depth and historical backdrop make her work a good find for fans of Jennifer Donnelly.
Allison Pataki writes historical fiction that often focuses on women’s lives during pivotal moments in history. One of her books, “The Accidental Empress,” tells the story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi.
It begins with Sisi as a young Bavarian duchess who unexpectedly captures the heart of Emperor Franz Joseph, taking readers into the glittering yet treacherous world of the Habsburg court.
The book explores Sisi’s struggles with political expectations, personal sacrifices, and the intense pressures of her newfound role.
Anne Rivers Siddons was an author known for stories about family, place, and personal growth. Her novel “Outer Banks” follows a woman named Kate, who reunites with her college friends for a summer trip on the North Carolina coast.
The group slowly uncovers secrets from their past, leading to bittersweet realizations about love and friendship. The book has a strong sense of setting, and you can almost feel the salty breeze and hear the waves as you read.
Elizabeth Gilbert writes stories that explore personal journeys and emotions with vivid, immersive detail. One of her most well-known books, “The Signature of All Things,” follows Alma Whittaker, a woman born in the 19th century to a wealthy family.
Alma becomes a botanist, dedicating her life to the study of plants. Her research leads her to questions about science, love, and humanity. The story takes you from America to Tahiti, introducing fascinating characters and settings.
Gilbert crafts Alma’s life in a way that feels rich and layered, making readers feel like they are truly walking through her world.
Jean Kwok is an author known for weaving personal and cultural challenges into heartfelt stories. In her novel “Girl in Translation,” she tells the story of Kimberly Chang, a young girl who moves from Hong Kong to Brooklyn with her mother.
They live in poverty, balancing work in a sweatshop and adjusting to life in America. Through Kimberly’s perspective, readers see the pressures of navigating two worlds—excelling at school while keeping family struggles hidden.
The book paints a vivid picture of ambition, sacrifice, and resilience.