If you enjoy reading books by Rona Jaffe then you might also like the following authors:
Judith Krantz wrote glamorous, dramatic novels full of high society, ambition, and romance. Her book “Scruples” introduces Billy Ikehorn, a smart and stylish woman who transforms her life from a small-town girl to the owner of an exclusive Beverly Hills boutique.
The story weaves through love affairs, personal reinvention, and the lavish world of fashion and wealth. Fans of Rona Jaffe’s focus on relationships and career struggles might enjoy Krantz’s blend of drama and ambition.
Jacqueline Susann was a writer who knew how to capture the drama and glamour of life. One of her most famous books, “Valley of the Dolls,” tells the story of three women chasing their dreams in show business.
Anne, a small-town girl, becomes part of the New York elite, Neely fights for fame in Hollywood, and Jennifer hides secrets behind her beauty. Their lives twist together as they face heartbreak, addiction, and the pressures of success.
It shines a light on the cost of ambition and the world behind the spotlight. If you enjoy stories filled with flawed and fascinating characters, this is worth exploring.
Colleen McCullough was an Australian author known for her rich storytelling and compelling characters. One of her most famous works, “The Thorn Birds,” is a sweeping family saga set in the Australian Outback.
It follows the Cleary family as they navigate love, betrayal, and ambition, all centered around Meggie Cleary and her forbidden bond with a Catholic priest, Father Ralph.
The novel offers a remarkable blend of emotion and drama, with the rugged backdrop of the Outback adding depth to the story. Fans of Rona Jaffe might enjoy McCullough’s ability to weave complex relationships into unforgettable narratives.
Gail Parent is a writer known for her sharp humor and engaging characters. One of her standout books is “Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York.”
The story introduces Sheila, a single woman in her early 30s, who feels out of place in a world that seems designed for couples. She’s tired of blind dates and failed attempts at love, so she decides to write a letter detailing her plan to end her life.
Though the premise sounds heavy, the book is filled with wit and sharp observations about relationships, loneliness, and the pressures women face. Sheila’s voice is honest and sarcastic, making her journey both relatable and unforgettable.
Maeve Binchy was an Irish author known for her warm and deeply engaging storytelling. Her books often focus on community life, relationships, and the choices people make. In “Circle of Friends,” she introduces Benny and Eve, two childhood friends from a small Irish village.
When they move to Dublin for university, their world opens up to love, betrayal, and friendships tested in unexpected ways. Binchy creates characters that feel real, weaving their lives together in a way that draws you into their world.
Fans of Rona Jaffe might appreciate how Binchy captures the complexities of personal connections.
Anne Rivers Siddons wrote stories that explore relationships, personal growth, and emotional struggles. One of her well-loved works, “Colony,” follows Maude Chambliss, a Southern woman who marries into a wealthy New England family.
The story spans decades, as Maude navigates the traditions and secrets of “Retreat,” a summer colony where her husband’s family spends their vacations.
The book reveals the clash between her Southern roots and the expectations of her new life and the strength she develops through it all. It’s full of vivid settings and emotional depth.
Helen Fielding is the author best known for creating Bridget Jones, a character who brings humor and heart to modern life. In her book “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” readers follow Bridget’s year as she juggles work, relationships, and her inner monologue about self-improvement.
The book is written in diary form, filled with Bridget’s honest and often hilarious thoughts. Her misadventures and awkward moments, such as attempting to quit smoking or navigating family gatherings, create a story that feels relatable and fun.
If you enjoy stories that center on women navigating life with a mix of humor and candor, Fielding’s work might be worth exploring.
Candace Bushnell is an author who writes about modern relationships, career struggles, and the social scene.
Her book, “Sex and the City,” is based on her newspaper column and gives readers a glimpse into the lives of Carrie Bradshaw and her friends as they navigate dating in New York City.
Each chapter is like a short story, with the characters dealing with everything from heartbreak to professional challenges, all while searching for happiness and a sense of belonging in a fast-paced world.
If you enjoy Rona Jaffe’s focus on women and their personal lives, this book might draw you in too.
Sloan Wilson was an author known for exploring the challenges of post-war American life. One of his most famous novels, “The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit,” follows Tom Rath, a World War II veteran trying to balance his family life with the pressures of a corporate job.
The story highlights his struggle to reconcile his past and the demands of modern success, offering a look at the conflict between ambition and contentment.
Fans of Rona Jaffe’s attention to personal conflict and societal expectations might enjoy Wilson’s ability to create relatable characters facing life’s pressures.
Elizabeth Adler is known for her engaging romantic suspense novels that often whisk readers away to glamorous locations.
In her book “Invitation to Provence,” the story begins with an unexpected letter inviting narrator Franny Marten to a beautiful chateau in the South of France. There, she uncovers family secrets and faces new relationships.
The vivid descriptions of the French countryside and the mystery surrounding the chateau make it a rich, atmospheric read.
Daphne Du Maurier is an author whose works often explore human relationships and the hidden complexities of life. One of her most famous novels, “Rebecca,” tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower and moves into his grand estate, Manderley.
There, she discovers the lingering presence of Rebecca, his late wife, whose memory seems to haunt every corner of the house. The atmosphere is tense, the relationships are full of secrets, and you’re never quite sure what will happen next.
If you enjoy vivid characters and emotional depth, her books might be worth checking out.
Susan Isaacs is known for her sharp wit and engaging storytelling. In “Compromising Positions,” she introduces Judith Singer, a Long Island housewife caught up in a murder investigation when her neighbor is found dead.
Judith, curious and intelligent, begins asking questions that pull her into a world of secrets and hidden lives. The book pairs suburban charm with mystery, creating a story that feels vibrant and surprising at every turn.
It captures the drama of everyday life with a mix of humor and suspense.
Barbara Taylor Bradford is known for writing emotional and character-driven stories that explore family, ambition, and resilience. Her novel “A Woman of Substance” follows Emma Harte, an ordinary girl who rises from working as a maid to building a vast business empire.
The story is packed with twists, challenges, and personal sacrifices as Emma fights for her dreams. Fans of Rona Jaffe, particularly those drawn to strong female leads and richly detailed life journeys, might enjoy Bradford’s work.
Olivia Goldsmith was a popular author known for writing stories about strong women navigating challenging relationships, careers, and friendships.
One of her well-loved books, “The First Wives Club,” follows three women who band together after their ex-husbands leave them for younger women. The story takes a sharp look at betrayal and revenge, as the women use their wit and resources to turn the tables.
It’s filled with humor, drama, and the kind of relatable moments that make you root for the characters all the way through.
Lisa Jewell writes stories about relationships, secrets, and mysteries that pull you into the lives of her characters. In “Then She Was Gone,” she tells the story of a mother named Laurel whose daughter disappeared ten years ago.
When Laurel meets a man and his young daughter, the girl’s resemblance to her missing daughter stirs up questions and long-buried emotions. Jewell weaves layers of tension and reveals truths gradually, keeping readers curious about what really happened.