Books Like...
If you liked What the Wind Knows, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A beautifully written, emotional journey that brings the hardships and hope of the Oregon Trail to life - expect to be moved, and keep tissues handy.
Where the Lost Wander is a historical fiction novel set during the westward movement in American history, following the journey of a wagon train heading to California. The story focuses on the perspectives of Naomi and John, as they narrate the incidents that occur during their trip, including their marriage, a tragic event involving an Indian, and the abduction of Naomi and her newborn brother by Indians. The book delves into the struggles, sorrows, and joys of the pioneers on the trail, portraying the harsh realities they faced during their hazardous journey.
She is perched on a barrel in the middle of the wide street, a yellow-frocked flower in a white bonnet, studying the crush of people moving past. Everyone is in a hurry, covered in dust and dissatisfa...April 2020•348 pages - #2
A legendary, emotional time-travel romance that's nostalgic and heartfelt - with an ending you'll either love or hate. Worth a try if you want a classic romance that stands out from the crowd.
"A Knight in Shining Armor" by Jude Deveraux is a time travel romance novel that follows the story of Dougless, a modern young woman who finds herself transported to Medieval Times after a knight named Nicholas is accidentally brought to her time. The plot revolves around their developing love story, the challenges they face due to the time difference, and the impact of Dougless's presence on history. The writing style is described as detailed, rich, and easy to read, with a mix of historical elements, romance, and time travel that captivates readers.
Dougless Montgomery sat in the backseat of the rental car, Robert and his pudgy thirteen-year-old daughter, Gloria, in the front. As usual, Gloria was eating. Dougless shifted her slim legs to try to...1989•472 pages - #3
Sweeping, romantic, and totally transportive - with just enough twists to keep you guessing - The Surviving Trace is a must for time travel romance fans, but be ready to dive into a full series for answers!
The Surviving Trace by Calia Read is a time-travel romance novel that follows Serene Parow, an antique shop owner with a passion for the past. After finding an old photograph at a flea market, Serene mysteriously travels back to 1912 where she discovers she is married to Etienne, the man from the photo. As Serene navigates her new life in the past, she must uncover the reason for her journey and the connection she shares with Etienne. The book is written in a first-person perspective, alternating between Serene and Etienne's point of view, creating a captivating and immersive storytelling experience that blends romance and time-travel elements.
The first time, I was fourteen. I watched my aunt die in a small hospital room. We were prepared for her death, but seeing her life slowly fade away was chilling. My parents, brothers, and I surrounde...May 2018•462 pages - #4
A moody, mature, and genre-blending story that’s perfect for fans of gothic romance and cozy supernatural mysteries - with just enough ghostly intrigue to keep you turning the pages.
'A Stitch in Time' by Kelley Armstrong is a gothic romance novel set in Thorne Manor, where two timelines run parallel to each other - one in the present and one two hundred years in the past. The story follows Bronwyn Dale, who inherits the manor and discovers she has the ability to slip through time. As she reconnects with her childhood friend, William Thorne, they navigate a love story intertwined with mysteries, ghosts, and a tragic past. The author's writing brings the characters and setting to life, blending elements of romance, suspense, time travel, and paranormal mysteries in a captivating and enthralling narrative.
The plot unfolds with Bronwyn facing ghosts from the past, solving murders, and exploring a time slip that allows her to reunite with William in his time. The story is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations, keeping readers engaged with the intricate layers of the narrative. Armstrong's storytelling challenges traditional genres, seamlessly weaving together elements of mystery, romance, and time travel to create a unique and compelling reading experience that appeals to fans of gothic romance and suspenseful mysteries.
AS MY TAXI rolls through the Yorkshire countryside, I tick off the landmarks, as if I’m a child again, plastered to the window of our rental car as we make our way to Thorne Manor. Outside Leeds, I sa...October 2020•326 pages - #5
A Murder in Time is an addictive, fast-paced historical mystery with a clever time travel hook - perfect for fans of atmospheric, twisty whodunits who don’t mind suspending disbelief and can handle a bit of grit.
'A Murder in Time' follows the story of Kendra Donovan, a modern-day FBI profiler who unexpectedly travels back in time to the early 1800s and becomes entangled in a serial murder case in England. Despite initial skepticism, Kendra's involvement in solving the murders challenges societal norms of the time period and keeps the readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns. The book blends elements of mystery, historical fiction, and time travel, creating a unique and engaging storyline that explores how a contemporary agent navigates crime-solving without modern technology.
And not just any eyes. Three sets of those eyes belonged to assistant directors or associate deputy directors from a veritable alphabet soup of agencies—the CIA, NSA, and her own FBI, including a seni...April 2016•506 pages - #6
A beautifully-written, atmospheric blend of historical intrigue, gentle romance, and Scottish charm - ideal for fans of dual timelines, heartfelt mysteries, and armchair travel. Grab a blanket and prepare to get lost in its wintry magic.
The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating blend of historical fiction and romance that follows Carrie McClelland, an author researching for her next novel set in Scotland. As she delves into the story of a Jacobite invasion in 1708, she finds herself mysteriously connected to her characters, experiencing ancestral memories that blur the lines between past and present. The novel seamlessly weaves together two timelines, offering a rich narrative that immerses readers in the landscapes of Scotland and the intrigues of its history.
I learned this later; though the realization, when it came, was hard for me to grasp because I’d always had a firm belief in self-determination. My life so far had seemed to bear this out—I’d chosen c...2008•542 pages - #7
A richly detailed, emotionally engaging epic that blends romance and history with plenty of action - perfect for fans of Outlander and sprawling historical sagas, but less so for sticklers for period accuracy or those allergic to big, romantic reads.
'Into the Wilderness' by Sara Donati is a historical romance novel set in 1792, focusing on the story of Elizabeth Middleton and Nathaniel Bonner. The book explores the adventures and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate love, survival, and societal expectations in the American wilderness. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and filled with rich historical details that transport readers to a different time and place.
The plot of 'Into the Wilderness' revolves around the blossoming romance between Elizabeth and Nathaniel amidst the backdrop of post-revolutionary upstate New York. The characters are portrayed as complex and well-developed, with the storyline blending elements of action, romance, and 18th-century drama. Readers are drawn into a world filled with vivid descriptions, compelling relationships, and a sense of historical authenticity that captures the essence of the time period.
The housekeeper was called Curiosity Freeman, and Elizabeth soon understood how she had earned her first name. When Galileo brought up her trunks and valise, Curiosity came along—to help Elizabeth get...1998•887 pages - #8
A beautifully written, atmospheric time-slip romance that's perfect for fans of gentle escapism, provided you can overlook a few leaps in logic and prefer charm over adrenaline.
'The Rose Garden' by Susanna Kearsley is a modern time travel story set in Cornwall, following Eva Ward as she returns to scatter her sister's ashes and unexpectedly finds herself traveling back and forth in time to 1715. In the past, she becomes entangled with Jacobite sympathizers and smugglers, developing a romance with Daniel Butler. The story weaves elements of historical background, romance, and time travel, creating a captivating and evocative narrative. Kearsley's writing style is described as magical, with a focus on details such as 16th-century wardrobe, vivid scenes, and poetic phrases that bring the story to life.
It’s a rotten time to lose someone, when all the world is dying too and darkness comes on earlier, and when the chill rains fall it seems the very sky is weeping. Not that there’s ever a good time to...May 2011•477 pages - #9
A guilty pleasure Highlander romance: sexy, dramatic, and magical - perfect for fans of steamy, fantastical historicals, but a bit cheesy and predictable for others.
In "Beyond the Highland Mist," Karen Marie Moning introduces readers to a story where a modern-day woman, Adrienne, is sent back in time to the 16th century Scottish Highlands to win the heart of the hunky Highlander, Hawk. However, their love story is complicated by the interference of the Faeries, leading to a tale of romance, time travel, and fae elements. The plot involves a mix of love, betrayal, revenge, and the struggle to maintain dominance while breaking down emotional barriers between the characters.
SIDHEACH JAMES LYON DOUGLAS, THIRD EARL OF DALKEITH, stalked across the floor. Droplets of water trickled from his wet hair down his broad chest, and gathered into a single rivulet between the double...1999•416 pages - #10
Heartbreaking, beautifully written, and thought-provoking, "From Sand and Ash" is a must-read for fans of historical romance with substance. Bring tissues - and be ready to be changed by Eva and Angelo's unforgettable journey.
'From Sand and Ash' by Amy Harmon is a historical fiction novel set in World War II Italy, following the forbidden love story between Eva, a Jewish girl, and Angelo, a Catholic boy. The book beautifully captures the horrors of war, the resilience of those trying to help their Jewish neighbors, and the role of the Catholic church in protecting Italian Jews. The story is a heart-wrenching tale of bravery, sacrifice, hope, and love set against the backdrop of Nazi occupation and the collaboration with Mussolini's Fascists.
Amy Harmon's writing style in 'From Sand and Ash' is described as moving, captivating, and breathtaking. She expertly crafts a story that slowly builds up the characters, leading readers to fall for them before shattering their emotions with the harsh realities of war. The book delves into the depths of human kindness and wrongs, emphasizing the importance of love, faith, and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
Eva’s father, Camillo Rosselli, knew what was coming. He thought he had sheltered his daughter from it, or maybe she was just Italian enough, young enough, naïve enough, that she completely missed the...December 2016•385 pages











