Books Like...
Simple Jess by Pamela Morsi is a historical romance set in Appalachia in the late 19th and early 20th century. The story follows Althea, a young widow with a son, who is pressured by her community to remarry. She hires Jess, a man with intellectual challenges but a kind heart, to help around her farm. As Althea gets to know Jess, she discovers his true nature and begins to see him as a potential partner. The book explores themes of love, acceptance, and community in the Ozarks, creating a heartwarming tale of overcoming obstacles and finding true love.
If you liked Simple Jess, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
In Pamela Morsi's 'Wild Oats', readers are taken back to early Oklahoma in the year 1900, where a young man named Jedwin Sparrow seeks to sow his wild oats with the help of a local divorcee, Cora Briggs. The story unfolds in a small community with strict standards of propriety, showcasing a cast of characters that includes a virgin mortician and a woman unfairly scorned. As the plot progresses, Jedwin's character development from a mama's boy to a principled man and his relationship with Cora, along with the town's judgmental attitude towards her, provide the backdrop for a heartwarming tale of redemption and love.
A full hundred yards beyond the nearest house, the long, shiny black rig pulled discreetly into the anonymity of the trees. Isinglass shades were drawn down over the three open windows of the wagon, a... - #2
Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer is a heartwarming romance novel set during World War II in Georgia. The story follows the unlikely relationship between Eleanor Dinsmore, a pregnant widow with two young boys, and Will Parker, an ex-convict looking for a fresh start. As they come together out of necessity, they both grow emotionally and overcome their past traumas, building a deep bond filled with love and understanding. The book portrays the complexities of building and sustaining a relationship, highlighting the characters' imperfections and insecurities while exploring themes of trust, self-esteem, and the power of love.
The author, LaVyrle Spencer, weaves a beautiful story of healing and redemption, creating vivid and realistic characters that readers can't help but care about. Through the slow-paced narrative and detailed descriptions, Spencer captures the essence of Georgia in the 1940s, immersing the readers in the setting and making the dialogue feel authentic and spoken. Morning Glory is praised for its character development, emotional depth, and the way it explores themes of love, trust, and overcoming past hardships in a touching and heartfelt manner.
The noon whistle blew and the saws stopped whining. Will Parker stepped back, lifted his sweat-soaked hat and wiped his forehead with a sleeve. The other millhands did the same, retreating toward the ... - #3
'Courting Miss Hattie' by Pamela Morsi tells the story of Hattie Colfax, a plain woman of 29 years who has been tending her farm with the help of Reed Tyler, her childhood friend and now sharecropper. Reed has been working on the Colfax farm since he was a child, and now at 24, he dreams of buying the land from Hattie to make a life with his beautiful fiancée. However, when Hattie is courted for the first time, Reed realizes that it is not his fiancée, but Hattie that he truly desires. explores themes of friendship turning into love, self-acceptance, and the challenges of finding happiness in unexpected places.
Pamela Morsi's writing style in 'Courting Miss Hattie' is characterized by romantic tension, well-developed characters, and a touch of realism. beautifully portrays the evolution of feelings between Reed and Hattie, capturing the nuances of their relationship as it transitions from friendship to love. Morsi's storytelling weaves together themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, creating a heartwarming tale of finding love in familiar faces and unexpected places.
The stillness of the gray morning was abruptly shattered as the barn door flew open, slamming back on its hinges. Peering out as if to see if the coast was clear was a handsome, well-groomed nanny goa... - #4
'The Texan's Wager' by Jodi Thomas is a historical western romance novel that follows the story of Bailee Moore, a strong and independent woman who is forced to marry Carter McKoy, a quiet and tormented recluse, after a series of events lead them to be raffled off in a bridal auction. The book is set in the American frontier and revolves around the development of the relationship between Bailee and Carter, as they navigate through challenges such as a mysterious train robbery, the revelation of Carter's tragic past, and the unexpected return of a man presumed dead.
The writing style of 'The Texan's Wager' is described as engaging, witty, and captivating, with a focus on the forced marriage trope and the development of a passionate love between the main protagonists. The plot includes elements of mystery, drama, and fast-paced action, as Bailee, Carter, and other characters face danger, romance, and unexpected twists that keep the readers intrigued from beginning to end.
To say she'd hit bottom would be an understatement. She'd sunk to what must be the lowest level of hell ... a town called Cedar Point. She could almost smile and remember the morning she left home, wi... - #5
In 'My Sunshine', Laura Townsend, a woman with a brain injury, finds a job as a kennel keeper at a veterinary clinic owned by twin brothers, Isaiah Coulter and Tucker. Despite her disability, Laura forms a close friendship with Isaiah, leading to deeper feelings between them. The story unfolds with Laura navigating challenges related to her brain damage and the developing romance between her and Isaiah. The writing style is described as slow-moving in places but with interesting characters and a focus on the gentle strength of the protagonist.
Sweat filmed Laura Townsend’s palms as she parked her old red Mazda in front of the Crystal Falls Animal Clinic. A real job. Since her phone conversation with Mary Coulter last night, those three word...
(Also, see 90 recommendations for the series Kendrick / Coulter / Harrigan ) - #6
'The Outsider' by Penelope Williamson is a historical romance set in late 19th century Montana, revolving around the interactions between Rachel Yoder, a widow from a strict religious sect known as The Plain People, and Johnny Cain, a wounded gunslinger who disrupts her quiet life. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, the societal disapproval they face, and the emotional turmoil they experience as they navigate their growing attraction amidst conflicts with other characters and external threats. The writing style is described as beautifully descriptive, capturing the harsh realities of frontier life and the deep emotions between the central characters.
It was the time of year when the country got to looking bleak and tired from the cold. The snow lay in yellowed clumps like old candle wax, the cottonwoods cracked and popped in the raw air, and sprin... - #7
'Runabout' in the series 'Wild Oats' by Pamela Morsi follows the story of Tulsa May, a woman who is stood up at her engagement party. Her longtime friend, Luther, offers to court her to divert the town's gossip. As they navigate the fake courtship, they discover the true beauty lies within and develop a genuine connection. is set in 1916 and captures the humor, love, and life of the characters as they face challenges and find happiness amidst societal judgment and personal growth.
}The April 23 Sunday edition of the Prattville Populist headlined the Russians' move toward Verdun. It carried an ink-drawn picture of industrialist Henry Ford, winner of the Nebraska primary for the ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Wild Oats ) - #8
A story set in the American Wild West, 'The Wives of Bowie Stone' by Maggie Osborne follows the journey of Rosie Mulvehey who saves Bowie Stone from hanging by marrying him to help run her farm. The book delves into themes of justice, redemption, and love as the characters navigate their dark pasts and form unexpected connections. Osborne's writing style captivates readers from the very beginning, weaving a tale of hardship, healing, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Four men stood on the trapdoors. Each had his hands tied behind his back and a thick noose looped around his neck. Though it was early in the year and drifts of snow buried the Main Street boardwalk, ... - #9
Garters by Pamela Morsi is a heartwarming romance novel set in the mountains of East Tennessee. The story follows Esmeralda Crabb, known as Esme, a practical girl from a poverty-stricken family who decides to marry the handsome store owner, Cleav, in order to provide for her family. The book is filled with humor, interesting characters, and life lessons as Esme embarks on a hilarious and yet sensitive courtship to win Cleav's heart and create a better future for her family.
The plot of Garters revolves around Esme's unconventional pursuit of Cleav, the store owner who is more interested in trout breeding than love. The book explores themes of love, self-acceptance, and the differences and similarities between people through the charming and humorous interactions between Esme and Cleav.
- #10
After discovering his brother's death, reclusive rancher Noah takes in his brother's pregnant wife Katherine, leading to a marriage of convenience that evolves into a heartfelt love story. The book beautifully captures the journey of healing and forgiveness, exploring themes of self-worth, love, and overcoming past traumas. The narrative showcases a sweet and tender romance set in the old American West, with well-developed characters and a captivating Beauty and the Beast trope.
The rap on the wood was sharp and insistent. Kate Allen Cutter pushed herself up from her narrow cot and slowly crossed the small dimly lit room while smoothing wrinkles from her faded skirt. She’d le...