Books Like...

"Happiness for Beginners" by Katherine Center is a contemporary romance novel that follows a woman on an outdoor adventure during a wilderness survival course in the mountains of Wyoming. The story revolves around the protagonist's journey of self-discovery, learning stillness and kindness towards herself, all while navigating the challenges of the rugged wilderness. The book's plot involves hiking as a major element, with the characters engaging in a camping trip that serves as a backdrop for personal growth and emotional exploration.

The writing style of "Happiness for Beginners" is described as lighthearted and engaging, with a focus on character development and relationships. Readers appreciate the author's ability to create a heartwarming and emotional narrative that resonates with themes of love, self-acceptance, and empowerment. The book is praised for its unique blend of romance, humor, and introspection against the backdrop of a wilderness setting, making it a compelling and enjoyable read for those looking for a feel-good story.

"How to Walk Away" by Katherine Center follows the story of Margaret Jacobsen, whose life takes a tragic turn after a life-altering accident during a plane ride with her fiancé. The novel delves into Margaret's journey of coping with her new reality, the challenges she faces, her relationships with her family and loved ones, and her resilience in the face of adversity. Through a mix of humor, emotions, and family dynamics, the author portrays Margaret's path towards acceptance and healing in a heartfelt and inspiring manner, making it a compelling read for those looking for a story of strength and transformation.

In "How to Walk Away," Katherine Center skillfully crafts relatable and endearing characters, particularly focusing on Margaret's growth, her sister Kit's unwavering support, and the dynamics within their family. The author's writing style is praised for its ability to draw readers in from the beginning, creating engaging and inspiring characters that resonate with the audience. The novel explores themes of love, resilience, family bonds, and personal growth, offering a heartwarming and emotional narrative that captivates readers with its blend of humor, seriousness, and relatability.

Hannah Brooks, an Executive Protection Officer, finds herself in a challenging situation after the loss of her mother and a breakup with her boyfriend. Despite her desire to leave the USA, she is forced by her boss to protect Hollywood star Jack Stapleton in Texas. The story follows their evolving relationship as they navigate personal struggles and a budding romance, all while dealing with a stalker threat and family issues. The book is a mix of humor, romance, and personal growth, with a slow burn romance that develops amidst emotional topics and introspective moments.

'What You Wish For' by Katherine Center is a heartwarming story set on Galveston Island, Texas, revolving around the life of Samantha Casey, a librarian at an elementary school. The plot unfolds with the unexpected death of the school founder, Max, and the arrival of a new principal, Duncan Carpenter, who brings significant changes to the school. Through a mix of humor, romance, and tackling tough subjects, the book explores themes of joy, grief, and finding happiness in challenging times. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a storyline that keeps readers invested from page one.

'Chasing Fire' by Nora Roberts is a story set in Missoula, Montana, during fire season, following Rowan Tripp, an elite smoke jumper haunted by the death of her former jump partner, as she navigates the dangers of wildfires and a potential murderer within their unit. The book intricately details the subculture of wildfire fighters, highlighting the thrill and risks involved in their tough job, while also exploring themes of romance, suspense, and revenge. As Rowan battles both fires and personal demons, she forms a complicated relationship with rookie Gull Curry, and together they unravel a mystery that threatens their lives.

The writing style of 'Chasing Fire' is described as fast-paced, exciting, and gritty, with vivid descriptions of firefighting and a strong sense of place in the midst of burning forests. Nora Roberts intricately weaves together elements of romance, suspense, and mystery, creating a story that keeps readers engaged as they follow Rowan and Gull through the challenges of their dangerous profession and the complexities of their budding relationship.

In Lucy Score's 'Protecting What's Mine,' Fire Chief Linc Reed and surgeon MacKenzie O'Neil navigate a small town community in Benevolence, where their budding romance is intertwined with past demons and a fear of commitment. The story unfolds with layers of character development, clever observations, and a mix of humor, romance, and action that keeps readers engaged till the end.

'Rekindle the Flame' by Kate Meader is a novella that tells the story of Beck Rivera and Darcy Cochrane, who were in love when they were younger but were separated by circumstances. Beck, a foster son of the Dempsey Clan, wants to become a firefighter like his foster dad, while Darcy, a socialite, rebels against her father's plans for her life. When they meet again years later, the sparks fly, and they must confront their past and their feelings for each other. The book is filled with well-developed characters, chemistry, and an entertaining plot, making it a great start to the Hot in Chicago series.

The writing style of Kate Meader in 'Rekindle the Flame' is engaging, with likable characters, wonderful chemistry, and secondary characters that add depth to the story. The novella successfully captures the essence of second chance love, with a believable romance that is hard to achieve in a shorter format. Readers will be drawn into the story of Beck and Darcy as they navigate their past and present feelings, making for a heartwarming and passionate read.

"Hero" by Lauren Rowe in 'The Morgan Brothers' series tells the story of Colby, a firefighter who is seriously injured during a rescue mission and ends up in the care of Lydia, a single mother and physiotherapist. Their instant connection, despite the challenges they face individually, leads to a heartfelt and steamy romance. explores themes of love, family, healing, and overcoming obstacles, all wrapped in Lauren Rowe's masterful writing style that captivates readers from beginning to end.

In typical Lauren Rowe fashion, the book includes moments of lightheartedness, heartfelt emotions, and strong family dynamics. The characters, especially Colby and Lydia, are portrayed as complex individuals with their own struggles and strengths, making the reader root for their happiness and growth throughout the story.

'Float Plan' by Trish Doller follows Anna, who is grieving the loss of her fiance, as she embarks on a sailing trip they had planned together. Unable to handle the boat alone, she hires Keane, a professional sailor with a prosthetic leg, to help her navigate through various Caribbean ports. As Anna and Keane bond over their shared tragedies, the book explores themes of grief, healing, and the slow-burn romance that develops between them. The story is described as a travelogue, rich in descriptions of the settings and the characters' emotional journey as they navigate through their pasts towards a hopeful future.

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker is a heartwarming story set in Alaska, focusing on the relationship between a young woman, Calla, and her estranged father who is battling lung cancer. The book beautifully captures the complexities of family dynamics, personal growth, and the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Through vivid descriptions and well-developed characters like Calla, Jonah, and Wren, the author weaves a tale of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery that resonates with readers on an emotional level.