If you enjoy reading books by Paula McLain then you might also like the following authors:
Kristin Hannah writes emotional and character-driven novels that often explore relationships, resilience, and life’s challenges.
One of her standout books, “The Nightingale,” takes place during World War II and follows two sisters in France who take very different paths to survive. Vianne tries to protect her family while dealing with a German officer forced into her home.
Isabelle, on the other hand, risks everything by joining the Resistance. It’s a story about courage in the face of impossible odds, with moments that linger long after you turn the last page.
Sue Monk Kidd is an author known for her stories that explore themes of identity, family, and resilience. Her novel “The Secret Life of Bees” tells the story of Lily Owens, a young girl in 1960s South Carolina who is haunted by the loss of her mother.
After an explosive argument with her abusive father, she runs away with her caregiver, Rosaleen. They find refuge with a trio of sisters who care for bees and run a honey business.
The book is full of heart and shows how the bonds we choose can sometimes heal the wounds we carry. Lily’s journey is moving, filled with moments of discovery and strength. It’s a perfect read for those who enjoy rich, character-driven stories.
Kate Atkinson is an author who weaves deep, character-driven stories. One of her standout novels, “Life After Life,” follows Ursula Todd, a woman who is born over and over, each time with her life taking a different course.
The book explores how small choices and twists of fate impact her and those around her. Atkinson’s writing draws you into Ursula’s world, where each life feels vivid and unique.
Geraldine Brooks is an author known for weaving history into her novels. One of her books, “Year of Wonders,” is set in a small English village during the plague in the 1600s.
The story follows Anna, a housemaid who steps up as her community falls apart under the strain of illness and fear. It shows how ordinary people react in extraordinary times. The friendships, betrayals, and moments of bravery in the face of despair make the book unforgettable.
Brooks brings the period to life in a way that feels immediate and raw. If you enjoy stories rooted in the past with characters who feel real, this one is worth looking into.
Lisa See is an author who writes stories filled with rich historical details and deep relationships. In her novel “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane,” she tells the story of Li-yan, a young girl from a remote Chinese mountain village, who grows up in the Akha ethnic minority.
Her life takes a dramatic turn after she has a child out of wedlock and places the baby for adoption. The novel follows both Li-yan and her daughter, weaving together themes of family, culture, and the bond between a mother and child.
Elizabeth Gilbert is an author known for her ability to create rich and heartfelt stories. Her memoir, “Eat, Pray, Love,” follows her journey after a difficult divorce as she travels to Italy, India, and Bali seeking peace and purpose. In Italy, she embraces the joy of food.
In India, she learns about meditation and devotion. In Bali, she explores the idea of balance and connection. It’s a deeply personal story filled with vivid experiences and moments that resonate.
Readers who are drawn to emotional journeys and self-discovery might find her work a rewarding read.
Nancy Horan writes stories rooted in history, focusing on fascinating figures and their personal lives. Her book, “Loving Frank,” tells the story of Mamah Borthwick Cheney, a woman who leaves her conventional life to be with the architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
The novel explores their unconventional relationship, filled with both passion and challenges, set against the backdrop of Wright’s evolving career. Horan’s attention to detail brings Mamah and Frank’s world vividly to life.
If you’re drawn to emotionally rich historical fiction that explores love and ambition, this book might pull you in.
Therese Anne Fowler is known for writing character-driven historical fiction that brings fascinating figures and times to life. Her book, “Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald,” tells the story of Zelda, the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
It takes you through her life, from her spirited youth in Alabama to her complex marriage with the famous author. Readers get to see Zelda’s ambition and struggles as she tries to carve out her own identity while living in the shadow of her husband’s success.
The book paints a vivid picture of the Jazz Age, showing the glamour and tension beneath the surface of their celebrated lives.
Ann Patchett is an author known for creating heartfelt stories with strong characters and emotional depth. Her novel “The Dutch House” follows siblings Maeve and Danny, who grow up in a grand house their family can barely hold on to.
The story revolves around their bond, the loss of their mother, and the complicated legacy tied to the house. It’s a thoughtful exploration of family ties and how the past continues to affect the present.
Rhys Bowen is great at crafting historical mysteries with rich settings and engaging characters. In her book “The Tuscan Child,” she tells the story of Joanna Langley, who uncovers secrets about her father after his passing.
During World War II, her father, wounded and stranded in Tuscany, is taken in by a woman from a small village. Decades later, Joanna travels to Italy to discover what really happened.
The mix of past and present creates a fascinating journey, with family secrets and wartime struggles adding layers to the story. If you enjoy novels with deep connections between past events and present discoveries, this one is worth checking out.
Beatriz Williams writes historical fiction that often weaves romance and drama through different time periods. One of her novels, “The Summer Wives,” takes readers to a glamorous New England island in the 1950s.
The story follows Miranda Schuyler, who becomes entangled in the secrets of the wealthy families on the island and the lives of the working-class community. The book contrasts privilege and ambition, offering a rich look at love and betrayal in a tightly knit world.
Fans of Paula McLain’s focus on strong characters navigating historical settings might find her work appealing.
Diana Gabaldon is known for her “Outlander” series, which blends historical fiction with romance and a bit of adventure. In the first book, “Outlander,” Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, is transported back to 18th-century Scotland after touching a mysterious stone circle.
She finds herself caught between two lives—her marriage in the 1940s and her growing connection to Jamie Fraser, a courageous young Scottish warrior. The story is a mix of historical detail and personal relationships, set against the backdrop of the Jacobite uprisings.
If you enjoy layered characters and rich settings, this book might be worth exploring.
Martha Hall Kelly is an author known for her ability to bring historical events to life through her novels. Her book “Lilac Girls” is a powerful story inspired by real women from World War II.
It focuses on Caroline Ferriday, a socialite in New York working to aid children orphaned by the war, and Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager whose life is changed by a Nazi concentration camp.
Their stories cross in unexpected ways, revealing resilience and courage during one of history’s darkest times. Readers who enjoy books by Paula McLain may find themselves drawn to Martha Hall Kelly’s emotionally driven stories and richly researched settings.
Jenni Fagan is a Scottish author known for her raw and atmospheric storytelling. Her novel, “The Panopticon,” is about Anais Hendricks, a 15-year-old girl placed in a home for troubled teens after being accused of attacking a police officer.
Anais, tough and fiercely independent, seeks truth about her past while grappling with a broken system. The story digs into themes of identity and survival, showing how Anais clings to her resilience in a world that seems determined to break her.
With a striking and unflinching voice, the book creates a vivid and unforgettable portrait of its characters.
Margaret George writes richly detailed historical novels that draw readers into the lives of iconic figures. Her book, “The Memoirs of Cleopatra,” imagines the life of Cleopatra as she recounts her story.
From her rise to power to her relationship with Julius Caesar, the book paints a vivid picture of the ancient world. The focus on Cleopatra’s voice makes you feel like you’re living through her experiences and seeing the events from her perspective.