Books like 'The First Word'
Readers who enjoyed The First Word by Isley Robson also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance realistic family literary-fiction female-mc
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See You by Dawn Lee McKenna
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSometimes the promise of something is so good that it's worth having, even when you know that you can't keep it. See You is not a romance, but it is a love story; one filled with the rawness of and risk and redemption and the dry humor that is the backbone of the South.Emma has loved Jack since she was a little girl... -
Coming Home by Judith Keim, Angela Dawe
Rated: 4.60 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsLength: 8 hrs 15 minCamilla “Cami” Chandler comes home from France to take over the Chandler Hill Inn and Winery for her recently-deceased grandmother, Lettie, as she’d always promised... -
Nantucket Threads by Pamela M. Kelley
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIzzy's life is about to change soon in the biggest way possible. She is excited and nervous and torn about whether or not to give her ex, Rick Savage another chance. Rick has tried to be a better man. He's gone through anger management classes and really seems to be making an effort... -
The Color of Destiny by Julianne MacLean
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEighteen years ago a teenage pregnancy changed Kate Worthington’s life forever. Faced with many difficult decisions, she chose to follow her heart and embrace an uncertain future with the father of her baby and her devoted first love… At the same time, in another part of the world, sixteen-year-old Ryan Hamilton makes his own share of mistakes, but learns important lessons along the way... -
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Something Like Family by Heather Burch
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsAbandoned by his mother when he was young, twenty-two-year-old Rave Wayne knows all about loss. That doesn’t mean he’s used to it. After he’s dumped by the girlfriend he assumed he’d spend his life with, Rave is longing more than ever to connect.Then, as if by miracle, he receives an invitation from his grandfather, a man he thought was long gone, to come for a visit to rural Tennessee... -
The Canal Boat Café Christmas: Starboard Home by Cressida McLaughlin
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA Christmas special continuing the charming and heart-warming story of The Canal Boat Café, the runaway bestseller Summer and Mason take their upbeat and feelgood Canal Boat Café to London for Christmas, with unexpected results. Starboard Home – Summer and Mason find themselves unexpectedly spending the entire Christmas holiday in Little Venice when the canal freezes over... -
What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom #1 bestselling author Sophie Kinsella, an unforgettable story—by turns heartbreaking and life-affirming—of a renowned novelist facing a devastating diagnosis and learning to live and love anew.“The bravest book you’ll read all year.”—Jodi Picoult “What Does It Feel Like? is fiction, but it is my most autobiographical work to date. Eve’s story is my story... -
Another Love by Amanda Prowse
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFROM THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MY HUSBAND'S WIFE. In the early years, she was happy. Romilly loved her stunning house, her kind husband and gorgeous daughter. Sure, life was sometimes exhausting – but nothing that a large glass of wine at the end of the day couldn't fix. But then a glass of wine became a bottle; one bottle became two. Once, Romilly's family were everything to her... -
Someone To Love Me by Anne Schraff
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWelcome to Bluford High. This widely acclaimed teen series set in an urban high school features engaging, accessible writing and appealing, contemporary storylines.At first, Bobby Wallace was everything Cindy Gibson hoped for. He was friendly, seemingly mature, and hansome--the perfect escape from her problems in school and even bigger troubles at home... -
Table for Five by Izzy Bromley
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen your life falls apart, all you need is a friend…Abbie Finch loves her job.Unfortunately, her boss doesn’t love her.When she finds herself unexpectedly unemployed, Abbie realises that she’s let all her friendships fall by the wayside and has no one to turn to.Lost and lonely, Abbie decides to leave her comfort zone and join the neighbourhood café’s community table...Categorized as:
literary-fiction realistic family female-mc fiction audiobook womens-fiction contemporary -
The High Notes by Danielle Steel
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIris Cooper has been singing ever since she can remember, hitting the high notes like no one else. When she is twelve, her father convinces the owner of a bar in Lake City, Texas, to let her perform, and she stuns the audience... -
Secrets at the Loch by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFor years Lexie has kept everyone at arm’s length. Her heart is so guarded it’s almost impenetrable.Until Nick.When the geeky teacher moves in next door, Lexie finds it increasingly difficult to ignore her attraction to him. To protect herself, she pushes him away, convincing herself that hurting him isn’t a big deal.She never imagined him leaving town. Or how much she’d miss him when he left... -
Finding Hope at the Loch by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSometimes all we can do is hope things will turn out exactly as they’re supposed to ... A fairy-tale wedding in a castle should be a dream come true for Isla. Unfortunately, she’s not as taken with the idea as everyone around her. While her family and Logan organise everything, she’s left feeling that her opinion doesn’t count. Meanwhile, Lexie is dealing with family problems of her own... -
Winter Wishes in Hope Cove by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA warm and uplifting winter romanceAll Emily wants for her wedding is a low-key celebration with family and friends. But with a best friend like Josie, it’s no surprise that there’s a touch of drama to the day.Meanwhile, Tara is dealing with problems of her own. In a bid to face up to her past, she sets out to make amends with her estranged father and reunite with her half siblings... -
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Finding My Way by Judith Keim
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDarcy Sullivan and her two sisters continue to work hard at the Salty Key Inn, the small, Florida hotel they unexpectedly inherited. In order to inherit the rest of Uncle Gavin’s sizeable estate, they must meet his challenge to open the neglected hotel by the end of the year... -
The House on Lavender Lane by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOne shocking incident forces six friends to re-evaluate everything Emily only meant to spend a week in Hope Cove. But when the quirky locals involve her in various events, she happily extends her stay. She just wishes Jack were with her and not stuck working back in Oxford.For Lizzie, Emily’s visit is well timed... -
The Bookshop of Hopes and Dreams: A charming tale of heartbreak and healing by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen Tara Fitzpatrick tells a string of lies during the world’s most informal job interview she has no idea of the path she’s set herself on. Renovating the rundown bookshop with her new boss, James, turns out to be more fulfilling than she could ever have imagined. Soon, she finds herself falling in love with the quaint little shop. And with James... -
All The Way From Texas by Carolyn Brown
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMolly Baker, a first-rate reporter, and Carson Rhodes, an excellent photojournalist are two of the most talented students in their graduating class. So, who else would their professor pick but these two young, adventurous graduate students to go on a journalism excursion? But newly engaged Molly has reservations about the trip... -
Going Home by Judith Keim
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn 1970, Violet Hawkins’ only wish at eighteen is to escape her life in the Dayton, Ohio, foster-care system and make her way to the west coast to enjoy a mellow life and find the love she’s been missing all her life. She makes it to San Francisco, but soon learns she needs a job if she’s to live properly...Categorized as:
family female-mc literary-fiction anthologies audiobook contemporary fiction historical-fiction -
Home At Last by Judith Keim
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLouise “Lulu” Kingsley is thrilled to discover after years of wishing for a sibling, Cami Chandler is her half-sister. When Cami invites her to live with her at Chandler Hill, Lulu jumps at the chance to leave behind all the heartache in her recent life... -
Life Goes On by Kelly Moore
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHappy go lucky Olivia McDill adores her fairy-tale life, married to the man of her dreams. It’s a love that should’ve lasted a lifetime…then in the blink of an eye, everything changed. She learns too quickly that life can be unfair, and she’s left trying to pick up the pieces and make sense of things on her own... -
Vineyard Winds by Katie Winters
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe eighteenth book of the Vineyard Sunset Series is coming next. This vibrant cast of characters live out their dreams on Martha's Vineyard. This is the story of the Sheridan and Montgomery siblings, a heartwarming journey of friendship, loss, and love that will have you wanting the next book... -
2142 Green Hollow Rd by Katie Winters
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe Sisters of Edgartown made a pledge. One they'll never break. One stronger than the winds off the Nantucket Sound and deeper than the great Atlantic Ocean.There had always been six of them. Until suddenly, the Nantucket Sound waters took one of their own. Michelle drowned at the age of seventeen.Everything changed after that... -
Rescue Me by Kelly Collins
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHer company is failing. His plan could save it. Will their partnership move from business to pleasure?Carla “Carl” Stevenson takes a special joy in running the local timber mill. But when the economy takes a downturn, selling the family business may be her only heartbreaking option... -
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The Weekend Getaway by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA weekend break changes everything…The chemistry between Keira and Noah is instant. It only takes one date for Keira to realise there’s something special between them.When Noah invites her to a family party in his hometown, she eagerly agrees, and by the end of their weekend away she’s absolutely head over heels. Not only for Noah, but for his close-knit family and the stunning Isles of Scilly... -
Whispers at the Bluebell Inn by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRumours travel fast in a village… Josie loves her new life in the country with Sam. But she has a secret that she doesn’t want anyone to know. Unfortunately, it’s hard to keep anything to yourself in a tiny village. Lizzie is adjusting to motherhood, and finding it more demanding than she ever expected... -
The Wishing Tide by Barbara Davis
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom the acclaimed author of The Secrets She Carried comes a novel about the pull of the past and the power of love. As offseason begins on the Outer Banks, a storm makes landfall, and three unlikely strangers are drawn together... Five years ago, Lane Kramer moved to Starry Point, certain the quaint island village was the place to start anew...Categorized as:
family female-mc literary-fiction adult book contemporary fiction historical-fiction -
Escape to Oakbrook Farm by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsVillage life is supposed to be quiet… Josie Beaumont is a free spirit. She changes jobs about as often as she changes her relationship status. Frequently! The only constants in her life are the comfy old shoes that she refuses to part with.When unemployment looms again, she’s intrigued by a job opportunity at a dog kennels in rural Devon... -
Finding Cupid by Bridget E. Baker
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsalternate cover edition of ASIN B07MQXCWCNLove is patient. Love is kind. Love is for chumps.Geo never plans weddings. Corporate retreats, fundraisers, birthday parties, and even the occasional engagement party? Sure. But weddings? Not anymore. She never dates, either. Not under any circumstance. These two rules keep her safe. They maintain order, and Geo needs a predictable life... -
Alaskan Dawn by Edie Claire
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA brand new novel of romantic women’s fiction from the author of the award-winning Long Time Coming and Meant to Be! Haley knew that carrying her twin sister’s baby would be a sacrifice.She just didn’t know how great. Overachieving attorney Haley Olson has always done the responsible thing. So when her twin sister Micah needs a surrogate mother, Haley willingly volunteers... -
Cánh Đồng Bất Tận by Nguyễn Ngọc Tư
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsCánh đồng bất tận bao gồm những truyện hay và mới nhất của nhà văn Nguyễn Ngọc Tư. Đây là tác phẩm đang gây xôn xao trong đời sống văn học, bởi ở đó người ta tìm thấy sự dữ dội, khốc liệt của đời sống thôn dã qua cái nhìn của một cô gái. Bi kịch về nỗi mất mát, sự cô đơn được đẩy lên đến tận cùng, khiến người đọc có lúc cảm thấy nhói tim.. -
A Good Life by Virginie Grimaldi, Hildegarde Serle
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsLaughter, tears, the transformative power of love, unexpected revelations, and striking natural these are the ingredients that combine to make best-selling author Virginie Grimaldi’s English debut the feel-good read of 2024. Grimaldi is among France’s top ten contemporary authors and her uplifting, unputdownable literary novels have quickly garnered her millions of adoring fans...Categorized as:
literary-fiction family female-mc romance fiction contemporary audiobook season-summer -
Blessing in Disguise by Danielle Steel
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn Danielle Steel’s remarkable new novel, one of her most memorable characters comes to terms with unfinished business and long-buried truths as the mother of three very different daughters with three singular fathers. As a young intern at an art gallery in Paris, Isabelle McAvoy meets Putnam Armstrong, wealthy, gentle, older, and secluded from the world... -
From Something Old by Nick Alexander, Nicola Barber
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratings* Running time: 12 hours and 13 minutes *Four people looking for love. Four choices that could be the start of everything.At thirty-three, nurse Heather is desperately waiting for her romantic life to begin. Then she meets handsome, strong Anthony and is sure she’s found the one. Brushing any doubts aside, she projects all her hopes for true love onto him... -
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The Summer's End by Mary Alice Monroe
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsIn the powerful and heartwarming conclusion to her bestselling Lowcountry Summer trilogy, New York Times author Mary Alice Monroe brings her readers back to the charm and sultry beauty of Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, to reveal how the pull of family bonds and true love is as strong and steady as the tides... -
Miracles in Wild Rose Bay: A completely uplifting Irish romance full of family secrets by Susanne O'Leary
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA truly unforgettable Irish romance set on the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way.Arriving in Sandy Cove to views of the shimmering ocean, Tara O’Rourke is excited to get to work. She’s been sent from New York City to take photos of Ireland for a travel magazine, and she knows the perfect area to visit: the mysterious, picturesque Wild Rose Bay... -
Kissing Carly (Kiss A Cowboy Series) by Deanna Lynn Sletten
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNow available! She never expected to fall in love… Carly Stevens loves to have fun but her carefree lifestyle has finally caught up with her. Broke and in debt, she heads to Montana to spend the summer with her sister, Andi Brennan, at the Brennan ranch. Her sister agrees she can stay on two conditions—she works to pay down her debt and changes her wild-girl ways... -
Secrets at Meadowbrook Manor by Faith Bleasdale
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsVisit Meadowbrook this summer for sunshine, secrets and plenty of romance… When Gemma Matthews is hired to transform Meadowbrook Manor into a boutique hotel, she can’t believe her luck. She packs her bags and moves to Meadowbrook to start her dream job, but her life is quickly turned upside down... -
Moonlight and Promises by Michele Brouder
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRead the generational saga about three sisters and their grandmother and her friends in the beachside town of Hideaway Bay.Always the rebel and the oldest of the Monroe sisters, Isabelle returns to Hideaway Bay at the request of one of her sisters. She’s never stayed long enough in any one place. The last thing Isabelle Monroe wants is to be tied down...Categorized as:
literary-fiction family female-mc romance fiction contemporary anthologies small-town -
Meet Me At Sunrise by Michele Brouder
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsRead the generational saga about three sisters and their grandmother and her friends in the beachside town of Hideaway Bay.After reuniting with her sisters at her grandmother’s funeral, Alice Monroe determines that Hideaway Bay may be the place for her. Nursing a broken heart, Alice throws herself into transforming her grandmother’s house into an inn...Categorized as:
literary-fiction female-mc family romance fiction contemporary anthologies small-town -
Two of a Kind by Abbie Zanders
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSpencer Dumas is an asshole, and he’s fine with that. As the CEO of Dumas Industries, the billionaire playboy couldn’t care less what people think of him. He’s got money, power, prestige, and plenty of female attention to keep him satisfied. In fact, he wants for nothing, except possibly the one thing his wealth and privilege won't allow: a life of his own... -
Coming Home to Hideaway Bay by Michele Brouder
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhen Lily Ford returns to her lakeside hometown of Hideaway Bay for her grandmother’s funeral, the reunion with her estranged sisters is anything but easy as old wounds surface quickly. Recently widowed and still reeling from the secrets her late husband left behind, Lily finds herself at a crossroad, questioning everything about herself and the people she thought she knew... -
Christmas on Reindeer Road (Highland Falls (2)) by Debbie Mason
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFans of RaeAnne Thayne and Debbie Macomber will love this USA Today bestselling author's latest holiday romance about two single parents whose holiday wishes come true in the small town of Highland Falls... -
Christmas Cheer by Bella Osborne
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA cosy and heartwarming seasonal romance, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley.Beth is running away. With her young son Leo to protect, Willow Cottage is the lifeline she so desperately needs. Overlooking the village green in a beautiful Cotswolds idyll, Beth sees a warm, caring and safe place for little Leo... -
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The Beach Babes by Judith Keim
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOld friends are the best…Catherine “Cate” Tibbs, Brooke Ridley, and Amber Anderson, friends since they were awkward thirteen-year-olds who named themselves “The Beach Babes,” are about to face their 40th birthdays. Because they haven’t been able to get together for some time, Cate arranges for them to rent a house along the Gulf Coast of Florida for a long weekend... -
Summer at the Old Boathouse: A wonderfully heartwarming romantic comedy by Hannah Ellis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsOf all the guys, she falls for the one who’s off limits… Emily Winters would do anything for her best friend Josie. Every week they meet for a catch up at the Old Boathouse - an idyllic little café by the Thames where Josie’s boyfriend Jack works. As the summer draws on, life seems perfect. Emily’s writing career is taking off and she’s throwing herself into the dating scene... -
Snowflakes over Holly Cove by Lucy Coleman
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe perfect Christmas romance for fans of Karen Swan. As the snowflakes start to fall, the village of Holly Cove welcomes a new tenant to the beautiful old cottage on the beach... For lifestyle magazine journaist Tia Armstrong, relationships, as well as Christmas, have lost all their magic. Yet Tia is up against a Christmas deadline for her latest article 'Love is, actually, all around'.. -
A Happy Catastrophe by Maddie Dawson
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom the bestselling author of Matchmaking for Beginners comes a novel about love, loss, and the beautiful mess of family.Marnie MacGraw and Patrick Delaney have been in love for a few years now, enough to realize that they are imperfectly perfect together. Still, there are some things that maybe need a little attention. Marnie’s ebullient; he’s brooding... -
The Idea of You by Amanda Prowse
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWith her fortieth birthday approaching, Lucy Carpenter dares to hope that she finally has it all: a wonderful new husband, Jonah, a successful career and the chance of a precious baby of her own. Life couldn’t be more perfect. But the reality of becoming parents proves much harder than Lucy and Jonah imagined... -
Always A Bridesmaid by Rachel Hanna
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIt seems like she’s always the bridesmaid……and she’s just trying to do her sister a favor.He’s trying to start over in a new town, and they don’t like each other one bit. But, when he steps in to save her unexpectedly, they both start to regret it.She’s used to being an in-charge attorney, and he’s a Southern guy through and through...
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