If you enjoy reading books by Sue Monk Kidd then you might also like the following authors:
Barbara Kingsolver writes stories that often connect deeply with people through her focus on family, relationships, and the natural world. Her novel “The Poisonwood Bible” tells the story of a missionary family who travels to the Congo in the 1950s.
The story is told through the voices of the mother and her four daughters, showing how each of them struggles to adapt in a culture so different from their own. The book explores the tension between the father’s rigid beliefs and the harsh realities of life in Africa.
It’s a powerful tale of resilience and transformation. Fans of Sue Monk Kidd might appreciate the rich characters and emotional depth.
Ann Patchett is a storyteller who knows how to explore human connections with depth and emotion. In her novel “The Patron Saint of Liars,” she introduces Rose Clinton, a woman who unexpectedly leaves her husband and heads to St. Elizabeth’s, a home for unwed mothers in Kentucky.
Rose lies about her own circumstances to stay there, eventually deciding to keep the baby and remain at the home. The story unfolds over years, revealing how these choices shape her life and the lives of those around her.
It’s a book full of relationships and the quiet moments that carry so much weight.
Alice Hoffman is an author known for weaving stories filled with emotion and a touch of magic. Her book “Practical Magic” tells the story of two sisters, Gillian and Sally Owens, who grow up in a family known for its connection to witchcraft.
The Owens women are bound by a curse that spells trouble for anyone they fall in love with. This tale mixes romance, heartbreak, and family bonds, set against the backdrop of a small town where whispers about their magical heritage never stop.
Elizabeth Gilbert is an author who captures the depth and nuance of personal journeys. Her book, “The Signature of All Things,” is a story about Alma Whittaker, a botanist born in the 1800s. Alma grows up immersed in the study of plants and the wonders of the natural world.
The book spans her life and takes readers through her passions, her discoveries, and her questions about existence. It’s filled with lush details about science and history, and Alma’s curiosity drives the narrative in a way that feels expansive and rewarding.
Toni Morrison is a storyteller who brings deep emotion to her writing. Her novel “Beloved” tells the story of Sethe, a woman who escapes slavery and builds a life for herself, only to be haunted by her past.
The book explores how pain from the past shapes the present, with Sethe facing a mysterious figure who forces her to confront what she’s tried to leave behind. Morrison’s characters feel alive, and their struggles stay with you long after the book ends.
Sarah Addison Allen writes stories that sprinkle a bit of magic into everyday life, creating a sense of wonder while staying grounded in emotional truths. Her book “Garden Spells” is set in a small Southern town and follows the Waverley sisters, who reconnect after years apart.
Their family is known for having a magical garden filled with plants that can influence emotions, especially the apple tree with a mind of its own.
Through their bond, they begin to confront old wounds and find healing, all while navigating love, unique family quirks, and a touch of enchantment. If you enjoy stories that blend heartfelt relationships with a dash of the unexpected, this might be a story to explore.
Paula McLain is an author known for her vivid historical novels that explore the lives of strong, complicated women. In her book “The Paris Wife,” she tells the story of Hadley Richardson, who becomes Ernest Hemingway’s first wife.
The book takes you into the 1920s Paris literary scene, where Hadley tries to navigate her role as both a wife and an outsider among groundbreaking writers and artists. It’s a portrait of a woman caught between devotion and self-discovery.
If you enjoy characters who find themselves in rich, emotional settings, this might be a great fit.
Christina Baker Kline is an author who creates deeply human stories that stick with you. One of her novels, “Orphan Train,” explores the connection between two women from different times.
A wealthy teenager facing community service meets an elderly woman with a past shaped by the orphan trains of the 1920s and 1930s. As their relationship grows, secrets and experiences from their lives come to light.
The book captures the weight of identity, resilience, and unexpected friendships in a way that’s unforgettable.
Sue Miller writes stories that explore relationships and the complexities of human emotions. In her novel “The Good Mother,” she tells the story of Anna, a divorced mother who loses custody of her daughter after her new relationship raises questions about her ability to parent.
The book digs into how decisions and circumstances shape lives, as well as how love and duty often collide. Miller’s writing has an intimate feel, pulling readers into the personal struggles of her characters.
Kate Morton is known for writing stories that weave together family secrets and the pull of the past with vivid, atmospheric settings.
One of her books, “The Forgotten Garden,” follows a young woman named Cassandra as she uncovers the mystery behind a family heirloom and a little girl abandoned on a ship a century earlier.
Her journey takes her to an old English estate, where clues about a hidden garden and a mysterious author begin to surface. The story moves through generations, revealing unexpected connections and hidden truths.
Morton’s attention to detail and the way she unravels the past make her books rich and immersive.
Wally Lamb is a writer who creates stories that explore deep emotions and relationships, often focusing on personal struggles and growth. His book, “She’s Come Undone”, tells the story of Dolores Price, a young woman dealing with heartbreak, loss, and self-discovery.
Dolores navigates years of pain, finding ways to heal after her world falls apart. Lamb’s characters face real-life challenges, and their journey feels raw and unforgettable.
Karen White writes stories that often weave together family secrets, Southern charm, and strong characters. In her book “The House on Tradd Street,” she introduces readers to Melanie Middleton, a real estate agent who inherits a historic Charleston home. The catch?
The house comes with ghosts and long-buried mysteries. As Melanie works through restoring the property, she uncovers pieces of its history while facing her own complicated life. If you enjoy stories about rediscovering the past, her work offers plenty to explore.
Isabel Allende is a storyteller who weaves rich and heartfelt narratives. One of her most well-loved books, “The House of the Spirits,” tells the story of the Trueba family as their lives cross with the political upheaval of an unnamed South American country.
The book spans generations, focusing on love, power, and the supernatural. Clara, a young woman with psychic abilities, stands out as a central figure who ties the family’s destiny together in unexpected ways.
Fans of Sue Monk Kidd’s deeply personal and emotional storytelling may enjoy Allende’s ability to blend family drama with a touch of the extraordinary.
Jhumpa Lahiri writes stories that explore identity, family, and the experience of living between two cultures.
Her book, “The Namesake,” follows Gogol Ganguli, the son of Indian immigrants in America, as he navigates his complicated relationship with his name, heritage, and the expectations of his parents.
The story begins with his parents, Ashoke and Ashima, settling in Boston and adjusting to a life far from India. As Gogol grows up, his journey takes him through moments of love, loss, and a search for belonging.
The book captures the struggles and connections within a family, offering a deep look at the pull between generations and traditions.
Louise Erdrich is a brilliant author whose works often explore family, identity, and the deep ties between people and their heritage.
Her novel “The Round House” tells the story of a young boy named Joe, whose life takes a sharp turn when his mother is attacked on their Native American reservation.
As Joe tries to understand what happened, his journey uncovers truths about justice, community, and the bonds within a family. This book draws you into Joe’s world with vivid characters and a heartfelt story.