Books Like...

'Dream Lake' by Lisa Kleypas is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Alex Nolan, a divorced man battling his demons and alcoholism, and Zoe Hoffman, a gentle and caring woman who works as a cook. The plot revolves around Alex's struggle with his past, his relationship with Zoe, and the presence of a ghost that becomes intertwined with their lives. The writing style is described as emotional, touching, and hauntingly beautiful, with elements of magical realism and a focus on character development and relationships. The story also touches on themes of family, love, addiction, and dealing with challenges such as dementia.

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.

"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.

In "Ghost Walk" by Cassandra Gannon, readers are taken on a magical journey filled with time travel, ghosts, and romance. The story follows Grace Rivera, a crime scene investigator with paranormal abilities, who returns to her hometown to give ghost tours. During one of these tours, she encounters Jamie Riordan, a charming pirate ghost from the past who asks for her help to prevent his wrongful hanging in 1789. As Grace and Jamie navigate through time and unravel a centuries-old mystery, their bond deepens, leading to a heartwarming love story intertwined with elements of magic and history. The book is described as a clever and original twist on paranormal time travel romance, with engaging characters and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers guessing.

The writing style of "Ghost Walk" is praised for its ability to seamlessly blend elements of magic, romance, and mystery. The author, Cassandra Gannon, is commended for her storytelling skills, creating a captivating and fun narrative that transports readers into a world where love transcends time and boundaries. The book's mix of humor, romance, and intrigue, along with the well-developed characters and entertaining banter between Grace and Jamie, makes it a delightful and engaging read that leaves readers enchanted and eager for more.

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.

Beard Science by Penny Reid, part of the Winston Brothers series, follows the story of Cletus Winston, the oddball of the six brothers, and Jennifer Sylvester, the Banana Cake Queen. Jennifer blackmails Cletus into helping her, leading to unexpected developments in their relationship. The book is described as a mix of humor, romance, and depth, with well-thought-out characters and a plot that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is praised for its uniqueness and the way it portrays the growth of the characters, particularly Cletus and Jennifer.

In "Transcendence" by Shay Savage, the story follows Ehd, a caveman who has been alone since his tribe perished in a fire. One day, he discovers a woman named Beh trapped in a pit and believes she is meant to be his mate, despite their language barrier. The book is written entirely from Ehd's point of view, showcasing their unique love story and the challenges they face in communicating and understanding each other in a prehistoric setting. The writing style is described as emotional, heartwarming, and engaging, with a focus on the deep emotional connection between the characters.

"Uprooted" by Naomi Novik is a fantasy novel set in a world where a wizard known as The Dragon takes a young girl every ten years to live with him and protect the area from the dangers of the nearby Wood. The protagonist, Agnieszka, unexpectedly chosen instead of her best friend, discovers her own magical abilities and becomes an apprentice to The Dragon. As they work together to combat the threats from the Wood, Agnieszka navigates themes of magic, friendship, self-discovery, and love in a richly imagined world filled with folklore elements and moral ambiguity.

The book is praised for its beautiful and descriptive prose, creating a vivid and realistic world for readers to immerse themselves in. The story unfolds slowly, subverting expectations and revealing surprising twists that keep readers engaged until the very satisfying end. The character development, particularly of Agnieszka, is highlighted as she embodies girl power, bravery, and independence, becoming her own hero in the face of challenges and mysteries presented by the magical world she inhabits.