Books Like...

When Wren realizes her fiancé is in love with someone else, she thinks her heart will never recover. On the other side of the world, Anders lost his wife four years ago and is struggling to move on. Wren hopes spending some time with her Dad on his farm in Indiana will help her to heal. Amid cornfields and fireflies, Wren and Anders meet and both their worlds are turned upside down. The story broke my heart and put it back together several times. This is a must-read book. It is not just a love story but about family drama, including a family secret that rocked me to the core, friendships, and life on a farm.

One of the aspects of this book that I really enjoyed was the setting. I've never read any books set in Indiana before and through the descriptive writing, I was able to paint a picture as to what I imagined the rural landscape looked like, especially once the creative ideas that Wren and Jonas come up with which have the two neighboring farms working together to create a fun experience for the whole family. The story is about a woman who thought she found forever love but then realized he loved someone else more. She was then in a place without purpose. She was unhappy with her job and needed time away. While spending time with family and working remotely, she was able to repair family bonds and build her own self-esteem which led to her being able to dream of a fruitful future. New dreams lead to new adventures.

"After I Do" by Taylor Jenkins Reid follows the story of Lauren and Ryan, a married couple who reach a breaking point in their relationship. Struggling with constant bickering, resentment, and a lack of communication, they decide to take a year-long break with no contact to reevaluate their marriage. The book explores themes of self-discovery, individual growth, and the complexities of love and marriage. Through Lauren's journey of reconnecting with her family and exploring her own desires, readers witness a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles and challenges faced in long-term relationships. Taylor Jenkins Reid's writing style weaves together emotional depth, thought-provoking insights, and relatable characters, creating a compelling narrative that delves into the nuances of marriage and the importance of communication and compromise.

'You've Reached Sam' by Dustin Thao is a poignant and emotional story that delves into the themes of grief, love, and moving on. The book follows the main character, Julie, as she navigates the loss of her boyfriend, Sam. Readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as Julie grapples with her grief and learns to cope with the help of her friends and loved ones. The author, Dustin Thao, skillfully develops the characters and situations, creating a beautiful and heartbreaking narrative that resonates with readers on a deep level.

The book beautifully explores different ways of handling grief, showcasing the journey of Julie as she learns to come to terms with her loss and find comfort in the memories she shared with Sam. Through a poignant love story and realistic character development, Dustin Thao captures the raw emotions and complexities of dealing with loss, making readers reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.

"One True Loves" by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the emotional story of Emma, who loses her husband Jesse in a helicopter crash, only to find out years later that he is alive. Emma had moved on with a new love, Sam, but now she is faced with a heart-wrenching choice between her past and present loves. The book explores themes of love, grief, growth, and self-discovery through Emma's journey of making a difficult decision between two true loves. Reid's writing style is described as raw, engaging, and emotional, with a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers hooked from the beginning.

American Ella Durran, a young political consultant with a bright future, wins a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford and the political job of her dreams. Once in Oxford, she meets and falls for a brilliant, handsome and mysterious local, and changes the course of her life. The book follows Ella's journey as she navigates her year abroad at Oxford, her unexpected romance, and the challenges and surprises that come her way.

'Before We Were Strangers' by Renee Carlino is a heartwarming and emotional love story that follows the journey of Matt and Grace, who met and fell in love during their college years but drifted apart for 15 years. The book alternates between past and present, showcasing their rekindled romance after a chance encounter. The plot is filled with themes of love, loss, missed opportunities, and the enduring power of connections. The writing style is captivating, with dual narration providing insight into the characters' emotions and experiences, creating a poignant and nostalgic atmosphere throughout the story.

'You, with a View' by Jessica Joyce follows Noelle, a young woman dealing with grief and loss after the death of her grandmother. When she discovers an old picture of her grandmother and a love letter, she embarks on a journey to find the man in the photo, who turns out to be the grandfather of her high school rival, Theo. Together with Theo and his grandfather, Noelle goes on a road trip following a honeymoon that was never taken, unraveling mysteries and discovering love along the way. The story beautifully weaves together themes of grief, love, family, and self-discovery, with a touch of enemies-to-lovers romance and a backdrop of picturesque locations.

The writing style of 'You, with a View' is described as emotional, heartwarming, and engaging. Readers praise the flawless writing, intricate character development, and the way the author intertwines themes of grief and love throughout the plot. touches on deep emotions, explores complex relationships, and takes the reader on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and unexpected romance.

'In Love' by Amy Bloom is a memoir that delves into the heartbreaking journey of a couple facing Alzheimer's Disease. The author recounts the emotional turmoil and difficult decisions they had to make, including seeking physician-assisted suicide to end the husband's suffering. Through poignant storytelling, Bloom provides a raw and honest portrayal of love, loss, and the complexities of facing a terminal illness with dignity and compassion.

Bloom's writing style in 'In Love' is described as evocative, thought-provoking, and deeply moving. Readers are drawn into the intimate details of the couple's struggle, feeling a range of emotions from sorrow to admiration for their courage in making such a difficult choice. The author's ability to capture the essence of human experience in the face of adversity shines through in this touching memoir.

As Many Nows as I Can Get by Shana Youngdahl is a coming-of-age novel that follows Scarlett, a teenage valedictorian, as she navigates love, loss, and tough decisions. The story delves into Scarlett's relationships with two damaged boys, her friends, and family, all while exploring themes of time, space, and self-discovery through a non-linear narrative structure that moves seamlessly between past and present. The book captures the complexities of adolescence, showcasing flawed but realistic characters who grapple with the challenges of growing up and making difficult choices.

Youngdahl's writing style in As Many Nows as I Can Get is praised for its maturity, emotional depth, and captivating storytelling. Readers appreciate the author's ability to create a multi-dimensional main character in Scarlett, who embodies a mix of strength and vulnerability. The novel tackles heavy themes such as substance use, love, and the unpredictability of life, presenting a thought-provoking exploration of youth, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.

Bright Side by Kim Holden is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the life of Kate, a character known for her optimism and selflessness. The story takes unexpected turns as Kate navigates college life, love, and friendships while dealing with her own secrets and impending tragedy. The writing style is emotionally charged, with raw and honest portrayals of the characters' experiences that leave readers deeply moved and contemplating the meaning of life.