Books Like...

One Day by David Nicholls is a poignant love story that follows the lives of two characters, Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley, through snapshots on the same day each year over a span of twenty years. The unique narrative structure allows the reader to witness the evolution of their relationship, capturing the highs and lows, the missed opportunities, and the enduring bond between the protagonists. The book explores themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and the passage of time, offering a bittersweet portrayal of life's complexities.

'The Boy Next Door' by Meg Cabot is a contemporary romance novel told entirely through email messages between characters. The story follows Mel, a celebrity gossip columnist, who finds her elderly neighbor in a coma after an attack. As she takes care of her neighbor's pets, she gets involved with her neighbor's nephew, who is actually his friend John impersonating him. The book combines elements of romance, mystery, and humor as Mel navigates mistaken identities and unexpected love.

The writing style of the book, presented in modern epistolary form, adds a unique and engaging element to the story, allowing for multiple perspectives and witty exchanges between characters. Despite being light and fluffy, the book touches on themes of love, friendship, and personal growth, making it a quick and entertaining read with a satisfying conclusion.

One Day in December by Josie Silver is a heartwarming tale of love at first sight and missed chances. The story follows Laurie, who falls hopelessly in love with a stranger she spots at a bus stop, only to later discover that he is her best friend's new boyfriend, Jack. Spanning a period of ten years, the novel explores the complexities of relationships, friendships, and the concept of falling in love versus staying in love. Despite the obstacles and challenges they face, readers are taken on a journey filled with emotional twists and turns, ultimately leading to a blissful ending that is both authentic and satisfying.

The book is narrated from multiple perspectives, providing insights into the characters' thoughts and emotions as they navigate through life's uncertainties and unexpected turns. With themes of friendship, love, and personal growth, One Day in December offers a relatable and thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of human relationships and the enduring power of love.

'Dear Aaron' by Mariana Zapata is a slow burn romance that follows the story of Ruby, a 23-year-old girl who decides to exchange letters with a soldier, Aaron, 28, who is deployed overseas. The book explores their growing relationship through weekly letters and emails, showcasing their journey from penpals to friends and eventually more. The writing style is described as nostalgic, relatable, and emotional, with a focus on character development and a realistic portrayal of a long-distance relationship.

'Daddy-Long-Legs' by Jean Webster is an epistolary novel that follows the story of Jerusha Abbott, an orphan girl who is sent to college by an anonymous benefactor known as Daddy Long Legs. Through Jerusha's monthly letters to the mysterious sponsor, readers get a glimpse into her experiences and growth as she navigates college life in the early 1900s. The plot unfolds through Jerusha's humorous and insightful reflections, providing a delightful and engaging narrative that captures the essence of a young girl's journey towards independence and self-discovery.

The writing style of Jean Webster in 'Daddy-Long-Legs' is described as lovely, witty, and entertaining, with a sense of light-heartedness that enhances the portrayal of the protagonist's daily life and studies. offers a mix of romance, humor, and historical context, creating a charming and relatable story that resonates with readers of different ages. Through the letters exchanged between Jerusha and Daddy Long Legs, Webster crafts a narrative that not only entertains but also provides a glimpse into the societal norms and challenges faced by women in the early 20th century.

Love & Saffron is a heartwarming epistolary novel by Kim Fay that connects two women, Joan and Imogen, through their shared passion for food and cooking. Set in the 1960s, their friendship begins when the younger Joan writes to the older Imogen, gifting her saffron and praising her writing. Through their letters, they share recipes, personal struggles, and heartfelt support for each other, despite the miles that separate them. Their relationship blossoms into a sweet bond, highlighting the importance of female friendship against a backdrop of historical moments.

Fay's writing style is smooth and authentic, making this quick read a joy to immerse oneself in. The characters are relatable and their letters bring warmth and depth to the narrative. While the book touches on deeper themes such as biracial relationships and societal issues of the times, it remains an easy and delightful read about love, friendship, and the comfort of food. Readers looking for a charming story with rich, layered nuances will find themselves enchanted by the lives and culinary adventures of Joan and Imogen.

A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner is a compelling novel that follows the love story of B and Jamie over a decade, exploring their tumultuous relationship filled with passion, struggles, and undeniable chemistry. The writing style of the author, Kandi Steiner, is praised for its ability to evoke deep emotions and create a vivid portrayal of the characters' journey. Readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as they witness the characters' highs and lows, making the story relatable and heart-wrenching.

'You Had Me At Hello' by Mhairi McFarlane follows the story of Rachel, a crime journalist in Manchester, who reconnects with her college friend Ben after breaking up with her long-time boyfriend. The plot alternates between past and present, exploring their complicated relationship and unresolved feelings. The writing style includes witty storytelling, believable characters, and humor, with a mix of angst and romance.

'Griffin & Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence' by Nick Bantock is a unique and enchanting story that unfolds through letters and postcards exchanged between two artists, Griffin and Sabine, who have never met but share a psychic connection. The plot revolves around the mysterious and magical correspondence between the two characters, where the readers get to physically interact with the letters and postcards by removing them from envelopes to read, adding an intimate touch to the storytelling. is a blend of art and novel, offering a tactile reading experience that delves into the relationship between the characters and their shared artistic experiences, creating a mesmerizing and immersive journey for the readers.

Written in an epistolary format, 'Griffin & Sabine' provides readers with a visually stunning and psychologically intriguing narrative that combines beautiful artwork with a love story told through correspondence. showcases the evolving relationship between Griffin and Sabine through their written exchanges, inviting readers to explore the depths of their connection and the mysteries surrounding their bond. With elements of magic, romance, and suspense, the story captivates readers by offering a glimpse into the private world of the characters through their letters and postcards, creating a one-of-a-kind reading experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.

"Dangerous Liaisons" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is an epistolary novel that includes multiple characters writing to each other, each with unique points of view and goals. The book revolves around two manipulative narcissists who take on a bet to destroy people around them, showcasing intrigues, manipulations, treachery, promiscuity, and horribleness. The story is set in the 18th century and features characters that may live in a different era but feel very real, engaging readers with its psychological games, slow pay off of revenge, and toxic, narcissistic relationships.