If you enjoy reading books by Rainbow Rowell then you might also like the following authors:
Naomi Novik writes stories that blend fantasy with heartfelt relationships. Her book “Uprooted” focuses on a young woman named Agnieszka, who lives in a quiet village beside a dark, menacing forest called the Wood.
When the local wizard, the Dragon, takes her to his tower as payment for his protection, Agnieszka discovers her hidden magical abilities and the secrets of the Wood.
The bond between Agnieszka and the Dragon is full of tension and wit, making it a story that’s easy to connect with.
Becky Albertalli writes heartfelt stories about young people figuring out life, love, and themselves.
Her book “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” tells the story of Simon, a high schooler whose secret email relationship with another boy gets put at risk when someone discovers the messages.
As Simon tries to keep his secret safe, he navigates friendships, family, and the fear of being outed before he’s ready. The book is warm and relatable, with moments that blend humor and heart in a way that keeps the pages turning.
If you’re into Rainbow Rowell’s way of capturing everyday emotions, this could be a great match.
Stephanie Perkins writes heartfelt stories with relatable characters and a touch of romance. One of her standout books is “Anna and the French Kiss.”
It follows Anna, a high school senior sent to a boarding school in Paris, where she meets Étienne, a boy who is charming but unavailable. The story captures the excitement and confusion of first love, set against the backdrop of the beautiful streets of Paris.
Jenny Han is an author known for creating heartfelt stories about love and growing up.
One of her well-loved books, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” tells the story of Lara Jean, a girl who writes letters to all the boys she’s ever had feelings for but never plans to send them.
Her life flips upside down when those letters are accidentally mailed, forcing her to deal with past crushes and her emotions in unexpected ways. The mix of family, friendship, and first love gives this story a lot of charm.
If you’ve enjoyed Rainbow Rowell’s focus on relationships and personal growth, you might find Jenny Han’s books to be a great fit.
Morgan Matson writes heartfelt and relatable stories that often focus on friendship, love, and self-discovery. Her book “Since You’ve Been Gone” follows Emily, who is left with a to-do list from her best friend Sloane after she suddenly disappears.
The list pushes Emily out of her comfort zone, leading her to try new things and make unexpected connections. It’s a story about finding your own strength and learning who you are.
Sarah Dessen writes heartfelt stories that capture the complexities of growing up and figuring out who you are. One of her books, “The Truth About Forever,” follows Macy, a girl dealing with her father’s sudden death.
She spends the summer working at a chaotic catering company, where she meets a group of quirky, warm people—including Wes, an artist with his own tragic past. As Macy starts opening up to new experiences and relationships, she begins to find herself again.
Taylor Jenkins Reid writes stories about relationships, fame, and the complexities of human nature. One of her standout novels, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” follows an aging Hollywood actress, Evelyn Hugo, as she recounts her life and career to a young journalist.
The story explores her rise to stardom, her struggles with love, and the sacrifices she made along the way. It’s full of fascinating characters and behind-the-scenes glimpses of old Hollywood.
Readers who enjoy Rainbow Rowell’s focus on personal connections may appreciate the emotional depth Reid brings to her characters.
Jennifer Niven is an author who writes stories about love, loss, and figuring out who you are. One of her books, “All the Bright Places,” is about two teens, Violet and Finch, who meet on the ledge of a school bell tower.
Both are struggling with personal pain but form a deep connection that changes their lives. Violet is trying to cope with her sister’s death, and Finch is battling his own inner demons.
Together, they explore their small Indiana town, creating memories while facing the weight of their secrets. It’s emotional and raw, connecting you to characters who feel real on every page.
Jojo Moyes is an author known for writing heartfelt stories with strong emotional connections. One of her well-loved novels, “Me Before You,” tells the story of Louisa, a quirky young woman who becomes a caretaker for Will, a once-adventurous man now confined to a wheelchair.
Their relationship starts off rocky, but as they spend more time together, their bond grows in ways that change both of their lives. The book explores how people impact each other deeply, even in the hardest moments.
Leigh Bardugo is known for creating stories with rich characters and vibrant worlds. One of her best-known books, “Six of Crows,” is about a team of outcasts brought together for an impossible heist.
Kaz Brekker, the sharp and morally-gray leader, gathers skilled but flawed individuals like Inej, who moves through shadows unnoticed, and Jesper, whose charm hides deeper struggles.
Each character has a past that drives their choices, and their clashing personalities add energy to the story. If you enjoy heartfelt character bonds mixed with sharp dialogue and twists, this might be a great pick.
Gayle Forman writes stories that explore relationships and the choices people make. One of her well-known books, “If I Stay,” follows Mia, a talented cellist who faces a devastating accident that changes her life in an instant.
As she lies in the hospital, she reflects on her past and weighs her future in a way that will leave you thinking about what really matters. Fans of Rainbow Rowell might connect with the personal and emotional focus in Forman’s writing.
Nicola Yoon is an author who writes heartfelt stories about love, identity, and the way people connect. One of her books, “Everything, Everything,” tells the story of Maddy, a girl with a rare illness that keeps her trapped inside her house.
Her life changes when Olly, a boy from next door, moves in and finds ways to communicate with her through notes and messages. Their connection grows, leading Maddy to question the limits of her world and take risks she never thought possible.
The story combines romance and life-changing revelations, pulling readers into Maddy’s unique experiences.
Eleanor & Park, written by Rainbow Rowell, captures the awkward, heartfelt beauty of first love between two outsiders. If you enjoy the emotional pull of that story, you might like Jennifer Niven.
Her book “All the Bright Places” centers on Violet and Finch, two teens struggling with personal pain who meet in an unexpected way. Through their connection, they help each other in ways they didn’t see coming, set against the backdrop of small-town Indiana.
The mix of raw emotion and two mismatched characters finding a bond feels similar in tone.
V.E. Schwab is an author who crafts imaginative stories with characters that feel real and layered. One of their standout novels, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue,” follows Addie, a young woman in 18th-century France who makes a desperate deal.
She gains her freedom at the cost of being forgotten by everyone she meets. Centuries pass as Addie navigates life, shaping moments in history while no one remembers her existence. The story takes a turn when she meets someone who unexpectedly remembers her name.
Schwab’s writing blends timeless themes with moments that feel personal and bittersweet.
Katie Cotugno writes stories about love, friendship, and the messy choices people make. One of her books, “99 Days,” follows Molly, a girl returning to her small hometown after a year away.
She’s forced to face Gabriel and Patrick, two brothers she has a lot of history with, along with the fallout of her complicated past. The emotional tension and complex relationships make this book stand out.
Fans of Rainbow Rowell’s relatable characters and heartfelt stories might enjoy Cotugno’s work.