Books Like...
'Silver Lining' by Maggie Osborne is an early American historical romance that follows the story of Max McCord and 'Low Down' Louise. Low Down nurses a town of men during a pox epidemic, and in return, they grant her wish for a baby. However, Max ends up drawing the unlucky marble and has to marry her, leading to a tumultuous relationship filled with angst and unexpected twists. The book is praised for its strong female protagonist, engaging plot, and a mix of humor and heartbreak.
If you liked Silver Lining, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Ravishing the Heiress' in the Fitzhugh series by Sherry Thomas revolves around the emotional journey of Millie and Fitz in their arranged marriage. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, including Fitz's past love, Isabelle, returning and the challenges they face in their marriage. The writing style is described as emotional, with flashbacks providing insight into the evolution of Millie and Fitz's relationship over the years.
Sometimes, as she lay in bed at night, she thought of falling in love, in the ways of a Jane Austen novel—her mother did not allow her to read the Brontës. Love, it seemed to her, was a result born of... - #2
'The Promise of Jenny Jones' by Maggie Osborne is a historical romance novel that follows the story of Jenny Jones, a strong and determined heroine who narrowly escapes a firing squad in Mexico by promising to take a dying woman's daughter to California. Throughout the journey, Jenny faces dangers, meets new characters like the cowboy Ty Sanders, and experiences a range of emotions, from laughter to heart-wrenching moments. The plot is filled with action, humor, and poignant scenes, making it a captivating read for fans of Western romance.
Turning to the window, Jenny caught a glimpse through the iron bars of the bored-looking Mexican officials rehearsing the firing squad. A light shudder tiptoed down her spine, and she wiped sweating p... - #3
'Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold' by Ellen O'Connell is a captivating western romance set in the Wild West times, focusing on the struggles and evolution of the main characters, Cord and Anne. The plot revolves around their unlikely love story born out of trauma, prejudice, and challenging circumstances in 1880's Colorado. The author's writing style vividly captures the daily minutiae of their lives, portraying realistic descriptions of raw emotions, feelings, and actions, making the story feel more authentic and precious. Despite facing racism, family dynamics, and societal prejudices, Cord and Anne navigate their marriage with mutual respect, partnership, and love, building a life together from the ashes of their past traumas.
DAMP AND SHIVERING, ANNE fought against waking, tried to shut out the sounds of nickering horses, lowing cows, and plaintive cats. As she curled in a tighter ball, stalks of hay pricked her cheek, and... - #4
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 ... - #5
In "Texas Destiny" by Lorraine Heath, the story unfolds in the aftermath of the Civil War, focusing on the journey of Amelia, a mail order bride from war-ravaged Georgia, who is destined to marry Dallas Leigh. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, she ends up traveling with Dallas's scarred and emotionally wounded brother, Houston. Their three-week journey to Dallas's ranch is filled with challenges, revelations, and a slow-burning romance that defies the odds. Through intricate character dynamics and poignant storytelling, the book explores themes of resilience, hope, and the complexities of relationships in a post-war setting.
The narrative of "Texas Destiny" is beautifully crafted with a focus on character development and emotional depth. As readers delve into the lives of Houston, Amelia, and the Leigh brothers, they are drawn into a world of heartache, redemption, and the enduring power of love. The author weaves a tale of love triangles, self-discovery, and the transformative nature of relationships, set against the backdrop of the rugged post-Civil War West, creating a compelling and engaging historical romance.
Houston Leigh skimmed his thumb over the black eye patch before tugging the brim on the left side of his hat down lower. The right side showed little wear, but the crumpled left side carried the oil a... - #6
'Without Words' by Ellen O'Connell is a historical western romance novel that follows the story of a mute heroine who is ill-treated by her family due to her disability. The book revolves around the heroine taking care of her dying old husband before the male main character (MMC) arrives. The plot includes elements of adventure, steamy romance, and a unique slow-burn relationship development between the heroine and the MMC, who is a bounty hunter with a secret heart of gold. The writing style is described as solid, interesting, and engaging, with a focus on character growth and the development of the romantic relationship.
“I can’t believe it,” he said for at least the hundredth time. “I come home for the first time in years. Jube and Clete are gone, and the old man’s dying.” He pointed a long, boney finger at her. “Don... - #7
'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... - #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
'Beautiful Bad Man' by Ellen O'Connell is a heartwarming historical western romance that follows the story of Norah, a widow fighting to keep her farm amidst threats from a ruthless landowner, Mr. Van Cleve. When Caleb, a gunslinger with a troubled past, comes back into Norah's life, they form an unlikely partnership to stand up against the injustices they face. The book explores themes of resilience, redemption, and the power of love in overcoming adversity, all set against the backdrop of the harsh western landscape.
The plot of 'Beautiful Bad Man' is filled with action, suspense, and a slow-burning romance between Norah and Caleb. Ellen O'Connell's writing style is praised for its simplicity and imagery, creating a compelling narrative that captures the struggles and triumphs of two broken individuals finding solace and strength in each other.
AS THE NEWEST hire, Cal rode a short distance behind the other men Webster Van Cleve claimed he needed to protect his ranch. What Van Cleve actually wanted was different of course, and running settler... - #10
In "In Want of a Wife" by Jo Goodman, Morgan Longstreet sends for a mail order bride, only to be surprised by the strong-willed Jane Middlebourne who is hiding secrets that put them both in danger. The book offers a slow-burn romance with realistic character development and a mix of passion, intelligence, chemistry, and humor. The plot includes a marriage of convenience trope set in the historical western setting of Bitter Creek, Wyoming, with well-written banter and delightful side characters adding depth to the story.
Hearing his name, Morgan Longstreet broke stride. He avoided trampling eleven-year-old Finn Collins because the boy was as slippery as quicksilver and scuttled sideways at the last possible moment. Mo...