“If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: in love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.”
If you’ve ever found yourself completely bowled over by a Kristin Hannah novel, you’re certainly not alone. Renowned for her emotional storytelling, richly drawn characters, and mesmerising settings, Kristin Hannah has become a go-to author for readers who love deeply moving fiction. Whether it’s the haunting beauty of The Nightingale, the raw wilderness of The Great Alone, or the heart-wrenching drama of Firefly Lane, her books are sure to leave a lasting impression. But what do you read next when you’ve devoured everything she’s written? If you’re looking for writers similar to Kristin Hannah, you’re in luck. Here at What We Reading, we’ve rounded up the best authors like Kristin Hannah, perfect for fans of emotional historical fiction, character-driven novels, and powerful stories about women. Whether you’re after a new favourite or just want more books like Kristin Hannah’s, these authors all promise to bring the same blend of heart, history, and humanity.
Martha Hall Kelly
Best for fans of: The Nightingale, Winter Garden
Why they’re similar: If you like Kristin Hannah’s deeply emotional historical fiction with strong, resilient women at their heart, Martha Hall Kelly is a must-read. Her stories shine a light on the often-overlooked roles women played during the Second World War, combining rich historical detail with powerful emotional arcs. Like Hannah, she explores sisterhood, sacrifice, and survival with a compassionate and compelling voice.
Recommended books: Lilac Girls (based on real women involved in WWII resistance efforts) and Lost Roses (a sweeping prequel about courage and friendship set during the war).
Kate Morton
Best for fans of: The Great Alone, The Nightingale
Why they’re similar: Kate Morton writes sweeping, emotional novels that blend historical fiction with family secrets and richly atmospheric settings. Like Kristin Hannah, her stories often feature strong female protagonists navigating complicated relationships and long-buried truths. Readers who love emotional fiction with multi-generational depth and a dash of mystery are sure to find Morton’s work a joy.
Recommended books: The Forgotten Garden (a haunting tale of identity and hidden pasts) and The Clockmaker’s Daughter (a dual-timeline novel steeped in memory and mystery).
Jodi Picoult
Best for fans of: Firefly Lane, The Four Winds
Why they’re similar: Jodi Picoult crafts emotionally complex stories that explore moral dilemmas, family bonds, and the weight of personal choices, much like Kristin Hannah. Her novels often focus on women caught in impossible scenarios, pulling readers in with thought-provoking questions and deeply human storytelling. Picoult is a perfect follow-up to any of Hannah’s novels if you love character-driven fiction that tackles big issues with heart.
Recommended books: My Sister’s Keeper (a powerful story about family and ethics) and Small Great Things (a bold, emotional novel about race, privilege, and justice).
Diane Chamberlain
Best for fans of: The Nightingale, Winter Garden
Why they’re similar: Similar to Kristin Hannah, Diane Chamberlain writes emotionally layered stories that immerse readers in family secrets, moral choices, and the resilience of women. Her books often alternate between timelines, building suspense while exploring how past choices echo into the present. Readers who love Hannah’s blend of historical depth and heartfelt drama will feel right at home with Chamberlain’s work.
Recommended books: The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes (a gripping story about identity and consequence) and The Last House on the Street (a dual-timeline tale of civil rights, courage, and community).
Jojo Moyes
Best for fans of: Firefly Lane, The Great Alone
Why they’re similar: Jojo Moyes is a master of emotional storytelling, weaving romance, heartbreak, and personal growth into every novel – qualities that any fans of Kristin Hannah are sure to appreciate. Her stories often centre on women at a crossroads, navigating love, loss, and second chances with warmth and insight. If you’re looking for character-driven fiction that tugs at your heartstrings, Jojo Moyes needs to be on your TBR pile.
Recommended books: Me Before You (a moving, unforgettable love story) and The Giver of Stars (a historical tale of friendship and bravery in 1930s Kentucky).
Heather Morris
Best for fans of: The Nightingale, The Four Winds
Why they’re similar: Heather Morris writes unforgettable true stories of survival, courage, and human connection during times of conflict, very similar to Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction. Her writing is simple yet poignant, centring around resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. If you love emotionally impactful novels based on real events and strong characters who endure against all odds, Morris is a compelling author to read next.
Recommended books: The Tattooist of Auschwitz (a heartbreaking love story set in a concentration camp) and Cilka’s Journey (a powerful follow-up about survival, strength, and hope).
Lisa Wingate
Best for fans of: The Nightingale, The Great Alone
Why they’re similar: Lisa Wingate’s emotionally rich stories follow strong women navigating adversity, making her the perfect choice for fans of Kristin Hannah. Her novels often delve into historical events and the human capacity for resilience, with well-developed characters whose lives are defined by hardship, survival, and hope. Readers who love intricate storytelling and poignant, family-centred narratives will find Wingate’s work profoundly moving.
Recommended books: Before We Were Strangers (a compelling historical fiction novel about secrets and survival) and The Book of Lost Friends (a story of historical discovery and the enduring bonds of family).
Sarah Jio
Best for fans of: The Nightingale, Winter Garden
Why they’re similar: Sarah Jio is another one of the best authors like Kristin Hannah, who writes deeply emotional, character-driven novels that explore love, loss, and the healing power of connection, much like Kristin Hannah’s works. Her stories often feature dual timelines, where the past and present intertwine, revealing long-held secrets and life-changing events. If you enjoy poignant fiction with rich historical settings and complex relationships, Jio’s novels are sure to resonate with you.
Recommended books: The Violets of March (a heartwarming tale of love and self-discovery) and The Bungalow (a WWII-era story of romance, friendship, and sacrifice).
Kristina McMorris
Best for fans of: The Nightingale, The Four Winds
Why they’re similar: Kristina McMorris writes deeply emotional historical fiction that shines the spotlight on lesser-known stories from the Second World War, much like Kristin Hannah. Her novels explore themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and survival, often focusing on the untold experiences of women during wartime. If you enjoy rich, character-driven narratives that evoke both heartbreak and hope, McMorris’ work is sure to keep you hooked.
Recommended books: The Edge of Lost (a powerful tale of a young man’s journey through the Great Depression) and Sold on a Monday (a heartbreaking story inspired by a true photo from the Great Depression).
Anita Shreve
Best for fans of: The Nightingale, The Great Alone
Why they’re similar: Anita Shreve’s novels explore themes of love, loss, and the emotional complexities of relationships, similar to the storytelling style of Kristin Hannah. Her emotionally charged stories often hone in on individuals facing life-altering events, revealing deep personal struggles and triumphs. Readers who appreciate poignant, character-driven narratives with an undercurrent of suspense and reflection are sure to find Shreve’s work captivating.
Recommended books: The Pilot’s Wife (a gripping novel about love, grief, and secrets) and All He Ever Wanted (a heartbreaking story of obsession, longing, and loss).
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
