Last Updated on August 18, 2023 by Louisa
Kristin Hannah is a highly acclaimed American author best known for her powerful storytelling and ability to give characters emotional depth.
With more than 20 novels to her name, she is most famous for her New York Times bestselling novel, The Nightingale, which won the 2015 Goodreads Best Historical Fiction Award and People’s Choice Award for Best Fiction.
Her writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions, intricate character development, and a keen understanding of human emotions.
Hannah’s books often explore complex themes such as love, family, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. She combines historical events with relatable and compelling narratives, creating stories that resonate deeply with readers.
If you’re looking for other authors who have the ability to capture realities of historical events in vivid detail, or who can carefully craft the enduring bonds of sisterhood through deeply woven character dynamics, then you’ll love these other authors like Kristin Hannah.
Authors Like Kristin Hannah
1. Sarah Jio
Sarah Jio writes emotionally charged and atmospheric novels that often explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Like Kristin Hannah, her books often feature strong female protagonists and delve into the complexities of relationships.
Sarah Jio is an American journalist and New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating novels.
Born on February 18, 1978, she grew up enjoying a blissful childhood filled with pigtails, French braids, warm chocolate chip cookies, and blackberry picking.
Sarah started her writing career as a health and fitness writer for Glamour Magazine, and went on to write for prestigious publications like The New York Times and Redbook.
Her writing has been internationally acclaimed, with her novels published in 27 countries. Sarah’s stories transport readers to captivating settings and explore themes of love, loss, and resilience.
With her talent for storytelling, Sarah Jio continues to enchant readers with her heartfelt and evocative narratives.
Related Reading: Books like The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
2. Jojo Moyes
Jojo Moyes is known for her heartwarming and thought-provoking stories that tackle themes of love, friendship, and personal growth. Like Kristin Hannah, Moyes creates multi-dimensional characters and explores their emotional journeys in a compelling manner.
Jojo Moyes was born in 1969 and is an English journalist turned award-winning romance novelist. With a successful career spanning over two decades, Moyes has captivated readers around the world with her heartfelt and compelling stories.
Some of her bestselling books include “Me Before You,” “Giver of Stars” “Still Me,” and “The Girl You Left Behind.”
Known for her ability to delve into complex emotions and create relatable characters, Moyes has become a beloved author in the literary world.
3. Jennifer Weiner
Jennifer Weiner is an author who excels at writing relatable and engaging stories that revolve around women’s lives and relationships. Similar to Kristin Hannah, she tackles issues of family, love, and self-acceptance, often blending humor with depth.
Jennifer Agnes was born in March 1970, in DeRidder, Louisiana, and is an American writer, journalist, and television producer.
Growing up in Connecticut, she graduated with a degree in English literature from Princeton University in 1991.
Jennifer gained fame as a bestselling novelist known for her relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling.
Some of her best-known titles include “Good in Bed,” “Mrs. Everything” and “In Her Shoes,” and has become one of the most prominent figures in contemporary women’s fiction.
Like Kristin Hannah, Jennifer Weiner’s writing often explores themes of love, relationships, body image, and personal growth.
4. Diane Chamberlain
Diane Chamberlain is known for her emotionally charged novels that often involve family secrets, complex relationships, and moral dilemmas. Like Kristin Hannah, she delves into the intricacies of family dynamics and the resilience of the human spirit.
Diane Chamberlain is an American author of adult fiction and was born on March 1950, in Plainfield, New Jersey.
With over 28 novels published in more than fifteen languages, she has gained recognition as a bestselling author. Influenced by her previous career as a social worker and psychotherapist, Diane Chamberlain writes suspenseful stories that touch both the heart and mind.
Her works have earned her a place on the New York Times, USA Today, and Sunday Times bestselling authors lists.
Raised in Plainfield and having lived in San Diego and northern areas, Diane brings her diverse experiences to her captivating narratives that resonate with readers across the globe.
5. Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is a bestselling author who tackles thought-provoking moral and ethical issues in her novels. Like Kristin Hannah, she weaves together multiple perspectives and explores the complexities of relationships and personal choices.
Jodi Lynn Picoult was born in May, 1966, in Nesconset, Long Island, New York, and is an accomplished American writer.
She has so far written 28 novels and is renowned for her thought-provoking storytelling. Like Kristen Hannah, she brings depth and emotion to her narratives, tackling complex moral and ethical dilemmas.
Jodi’s works often explore themes of family dynamics, love, loss, and social justice.
Graduating from Princeton University with a degree in creative writing and earning a master’s degree in education from Harvard, Jodi’s educational background contributes to the depth and insight in her writing.
6. Elin Hilderbrand
Elin Hilderbrand was born in 1969 in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and is a renowned American author known for her captivating novels set in picturesque coastal locations.
Graduating from Johns Hopkins University, she has published 29 novels, including bestsellers like “The Hotel Nantucket” and “The Five-Star Weekend.”
Much like Kristin Hannah, Hilderbrand’s work delves into complex family dynamics and explores themes of love, loss, and resilience.
With her immersive storytelling and vivid descriptions, she transports readers to idyllic beach settings while weaving poignant and emotional narratives.
7. Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid is a highly acclaimed American author, known for her compelling and emotionally resonant novels.
Some of her best-known titles include “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” “Daisy Jones & the Six,” “One True Loves,” and “Malibu Rising.”
Like Kristin Hannah, Reid explores complex themes of love, relationships, and resilience in her work.
Both authors have a talent for crafting richly developed characters and weaving intricate narratives that delve into the depths of human emotions.
Reid’s storytelling prowess, coupled with her ability to create immersive settings, has established her as a bestselling author beloved by readers worldwide.
8. Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn is an American author who is also known for her bestselling historical fiction novels.
Native to Southern California, Kate Quinn traveled across the states to attend Boston University, where she studied for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Classical Voice.
Quinn’s works transport readers to various time periods, showcasing the life, laughter, and humanity of our shared past.
Her best-known titles include “The Alice Network,” “The Huntress,” and “The Rose Code.”
Like Kristin Hannah, Quinn’s storytelling skill lies in creating vivid and complex characters, while exploring themes of love, resilience, and the power of female friendships.
Both authors captivate readers with their immersive storytelling and ability to evoke deep emotions.
9. Martha Hall Kelly
Martha Hall Kelly was born in New England and is most well known for her debut novel, “Lilac Girls,” which became an instant New York Times bestseller upon its release in 2016, selling over two million copies.
She has since published other notable works such as “Lost Roses” and “Sunflower Sisters.”
Like Kristin Hannah, Kelly’s writing delves into historical fiction, exploring themes of resilience, love, and the strength of female characters.
Both Martha Hall Kelly and Kristin Hannah have a knack for captivating storytelling, creating vivid narratives that transport readers to different time periods while touching upon profound emotions and human experiences.
10. Kristin Harmel
Kristin Harmel is a highly accomplished American novelist known for her compelling storytelling and emotionally resonant works.
Born in May, 1979, near Boston, Massachusetts, Harmel has captivated readers with her bestselling novels such as “The Book of Lost Names,” “The Forest of Vanishing Stars,” and “The Sweetness of Forgetting.”
Her writing explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and the power of human connections, much like the works of Kristin Hannah.
Both authors have a talent for creating multifaceted characters and crafting narratives that touch upon profound emotions, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after they turn the last page.
11. Lisa Wingate
Lisa Wingate is a renowned American author, widely recognized for her bestseller “Before We Were Yours,” which topped the New York Times Bestseller List.
Born in Germany in 1965, Wingate is an accomplished writer with over 30 novels to her name.
Her work combines elements of historical fiction, family drama, and emotional storytelling, much like the style of Kristin Hannah.
Both authors excel at creating compelling characters and delving into complex themes of love, loss, and resilience.
Wingate’s writing showcases her ability to evoke deep emotions and transport readers into captivating narratives that resonate long after the book is finished.
12. Laura Dave
Laura Dave was born in July, 1977, and is a celebrated American novelist known for her compelling storytelling.
She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “The Last Thing He Told Me” and “Eight Hundred Grapes,” among other acclaimed novels.
Like Kristen Hannah, Laura Dave’s books captivate readers with their exploration of complex family dynamics, love, and resilience.
Both authors possess a remarkable ability to create engaging characters and immerse readers in emotionally charged narratives.
Dave’s writing delves into universal themes, evoking deep emotions and leaving a lasting impact on readers, making her a notable contemporary voice in literature.
13. Anthony Doerr
Born in October, 1973, in Cleveland, Ohio, Anthony Doerr is an acclaimed American author known for his novels and short stories.
His best-known work is the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “All the Light We Cannot See,” which garnered widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
Doerr’s captivating storytelling, intricate character development, and exploration of complex themes such as love, resilience, and the human spirit make his work resonate with readers in a similar way to Kristin Hannah.
14. Mary Lynn Bracht
Mary Lynn Bracht is an American author of Korean descent, currently residing in London.
Growing up in a community of women who experienced post-war South Korea, her writing reflects her deep connection to her heritage.
With a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from Birkbeck, University of London, Bracht has garnered acclaim for her debut novel, “White Chrysanthemum.”
This poignant and powerful work explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and the strength of women in the face of adversity.
Similar to Kristin Hannah, Bracht has become well known for her emotional storytelling and ability to showcase a profound understanding of the human experience.
15. Delia Owens
Delia Owens is an American author, zoologist, and conservationist, who was born in April, 1949.
Best known for her 2018 novel “Where the Crawdads Sing,” Owens has captivated readers with her talent for storytelling.
Prior to her success as a fiction writer, she spent decades living in Africa, studying wildlife in their natural habitats.
Her nonfiction works, such as “Cry of the Kalahari,” reflect her deep connection to nature and her experiences as a wildlife scientist.
Like Kristin Hannah, Owens delves into emotional narratives and explores themes of resilience, love, and the power of the human spirit, making her work resonate with readers on a profound level.
Related Reading: Books Like Where The Crawdads Sing
Final Thoughts on Authors Similar To Kristin Hannah
Whether you’re looking to read non-fiction, historical fiction, or thrillers, these authors share similarities with Kristin Hannah in terms of their focus on strong female characters, exploration of complex emotions, and ability to create captivating and heartfelt stories.
Hopefully, you’ll discover a new author whose writing style and knack for storytelling resonates with you as much as Kristen Hannah’s did.
Like this post? Save it on Pinterest!
