Books like 'Good Wives'
Readers who enjoyed Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical funny victorian sassy heroine american civil war christian war age difference slow burn friends to lovers
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Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada, Michael Hofmann
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsInspired by a true story, Hans Fallada's Alone in Berlin is the gripping tale of an ordinary man's determination to defy the tyranny of Nazi rule. This Penguin Classics edition contains an afterword by Geoff Wilkes, as well as facsimiles of the original Gestapo file which inspired the novel. Berlin, 1940, and the city is filled with fear... -
![The River Girl by Tania Crosse]()
The River Girl by Tania Crosse
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsDartmoor, 1858.Elizabeth Thornton has every reason to want to escape from home — a ramshackle farm in the middle of nowhere on the wilds of Dartmoor. Since her father’s death, she’s been trapped here, in the clutches of her lascivious uncle.When a position opens up at Rosebank Hall, she jumps at the chance. She will be a domestic drudge at the beck and call of the house’s cantankerous master... -
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![Frederica by Georgette Heyer]()
Frederica by Georgette Heyer
LONDON IN "THE SEASON" Frederica Merriville and her three siblings have come to London for the glittering social season, in order to give young and beautiful Charis a chance to make a good marriage. Frederica herself, a witty charmer, believes herself happily beyond marriageable age -- she is twenty-four, after all...Categorized as:
friends to lovers slow burn age difference sassy heroine strong heroine regency historical clean -
![The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays by Oscar Wilde]()
The Importance of Being Earnest and Other Plays by Oscar Wilde
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 66 ratingsLady Windermere's Fan/Salomé/A Woman of No Importance/An Ideal Husband/A Florentine Tragedy/The Importance of Being Earnest'To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness'The Importance of Being Earnest is a glorious comedy of mistaken identity, which ridicules codes of propriety and etiquette... -
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![Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton]()
Drinker of Ink by Shannon Castleton
California, 1991“I only ever talk to this journal. Is there an alternate universe? Another planet? Please could you beam me up, Holy Father?”Paris-born Vivienne Lebrun longs for a different life. One where she doesn’t attend college three thousand miles away from her family in New York City...Categorized as:
age difference friends to lovers slow burn war christian strong heroine contemporary historical -
![Aurora by D.G. Rampton]()
Aurora by D.G. Rampton
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 15 ratings70,000+ readers have already discovered the Regency Goddesses Series. The books, which can be read in any order, are regularly in the U.S. top 20 for Historical Romance and Humor & Satire... -
![The Gunpowder Girl by Tania Crosse]()
The Gunpowder Girl by Tania Crosse
Rated: 4.51 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsOriginally published as Cherrybrook Rose and A Bouquet of Thorns.A GRIPPING TALE OF LOVE AND SELF-SACRIFICE SET ON WILD DARTMOORDartmoor, 1875. Rose Maddiford, beautiful, vivacious and intelligent, could have her pick of men across Dartmoor. But she is in no hurry to marry unless it is for true love — and certainly not while she can help her father manage the Cherrybrook Gunpowder Mills... -
![The Railway Girl by Tania Crosse]()
The Railway Girl by Tania Crosse
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsOriginally published as The Wrong Side of Happiness.A STRUGGLE TO FIND LOVE AND HAPPINESS AGAINST THE ODDSDevon, 1887. Life has not been kind to dairymaid Tresca Ladycott. She can’t rely on her flighty farmhand father, Emmanuel, so she relies on herself.Then comes a devastating blow. Tresca is sacked from the dairy and the pair lose their home... -
![Women of Straw by Carole Llewellyn]()
Women of Straw by Carole Llewellyn
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsIn 1865, Luton in Bedfordshire is famous for manufacturing straw boaters worn everywhere, although times and fashions are changing. Kate Devlin, the eldest of three children, helps her mother, Rose, run the Devlin plait-school at 10 Plaiters Way. The plait produced there is sold to the Stratton Hat Company, and Kate’s ambition is to become a hat-maker... -
![The Girl from Vichy by Andie Newton]()
The Girl from Vichy by Andie Newton
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 25 ratings1942, occupied France.As the war in Europe rages on, Adèle Ambeh dreams of a France that is free from the clutches of the new regime. The date of her marriage to a ruthless man is drawing closer, and she only has one choice – she must run.With the help of her mother, Adèle flees to Lyon, seeking refuge at the Sisters of Notre Dame de la Compassion... -
![Entranced by the Earl by Jillian Eaton]()
Entranced by the Earl by Jillian Eaton
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsSometimes love is hiding in the unlikeliest of earls . . . Evelyn Thorncroft wants to marry a duke, but she'll settle for an earl. The Earl of Hawkridge, to be precise. The only problem? Weston cannot stand the sight of her. At least, that's what he says. Their passionate kisses, however, tell a very different story . . -
![The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich]()
The Incredible Winston Browne by Sean Dietrich
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBeloved writer Sean Dietrich—also known as Sean of the South—will warm your heart with this rich and nostalgic tale of a small-town sheriff, a mysterious little girl, and a good-hearted community pulling together to help her.Folks in Moab live for ice cream socials, baseball, and the local paper’s weekly gossip column... -
![The Quarry Girl by Tania Crosse]()
The Quarry Girl by Tania Crosse
Rated: 4.46 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsOriginally published as A Dream Rides By.August 1883. The future for Ling Southcott, a quarryman’s daughter, seems to be already mapped. Marriage to her childhood sweetheart, Barney, a cluster of children, a life contained to the hamlet of Foggintor Quarry. For Ling, with her sharp, enquiring mind and love of books, it is an accepted, if unwelcome fate... -
![Loving a Lady by Nichole Van]()
Loving a Lady by Nichole Van
Ewan Campbell fought to free himself from his past. Quite literally. A former prizefighter, he now earns his living as an artist. But Ewan still fights more figurative opponents—dark memories that threaten to overwhelm him. Worse, when he is hired to assist a famous painter, Ewan finds himself falling for the man’s highborn niece, Lady Kildrum. Such feelings are pointless... -
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![Kiss of the Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World by Meara Platt]()
Kiss of the Lyon: The Lyon's Den Connected World by Meara Platt
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsHe was only supposed to win the high stakes game of chance, not a bride along with it.Lord Matthew Lyon is often called upon by the Crown because of his mathematical brilliance, and participating in a high stakes game of chance at the notorious Lyon’s Den should have been the easy part of his assignment...only it goes terribly wrong... -
![The Hidden Hand: Love, Intrigue, and Gender Roles in Victorian Fiction by E.D.E.N. Southworth]()
The Hidden Hand: Love, Intrigue, and Gender Roles in Victorian Fiction by E.D.E.N. Southworth
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsEmma Southworth's 'The Hidden Hand' is a captivating novel that delves deep into the themes of mystery, romance, and intrigue. Set in the 19th century, this work of literature features a powerful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats... -
![Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano]()
Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano
Rated: 4.37 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWhen Miss Beatrix Waterbury's Chicago-bound train ride is interrupted by a heist, Mr. Norman Nesbit, a man of science who believes his research was the target of the heist, comes to her aid. Despite the fact that they immediately butt heads, they join forces to make a quick escape... -
![The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep]()
The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep
Rated: 4.56 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love... -
![Making the Marquess by Nichole Van]()
Making the Marquess by Nichole Van
Lady Charlotte Whitaker is devoted to her family, particularly her sister’s son, Freddie. Her late father, the Marquess of Lockhead, died without a male heir. But on his deathbed, her father requested that Freddie inherit the title. Consequently, Lottie’s family has petitioned the Crown to recreate the title with Freddie as the new heir...Categorized as:
victorian christian highlander historical regency humor forbidden love glimpses-kisses -
![Venetia by Georgette Heyer]()
Venetia by Georgette Heyer
SCANDAL OF THE SEASON At five-and-twenty, Venetia Lanyon despairs of ever meeting the handsome hero of her romantic dreams. Then her long-absent neighbor, Lord Damerel, returns home to Yorkshire. An infamous rake, he is the most scandalous man in all of England and he has set his amorous sights on the lovely Venetia...Categorized as:
victorian age difference friends to lovers strong heroine sassy heroine regency historical clean -
![Peacocks of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig]()
Peacocks of Pemberley: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Laraba Kendig
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsDarcy is surprised that Elizabeth has won the friendship of his unusual sister, and he is shocked when he begins to fall for her as well.Mr. Darcy feels guilty that he was not there to prevent Mr. Bingley from marrying Jane Bennet, who no doubt was only after his money... -
![A Matchmaker for a Marquess by Christi Caldwell]()
A Matchmaker for a Marquess by Christi Caldwell
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsBe prepared to smile, swoon, and sigh in Christi Caldwell's latest 'Heart of a Scandal' installment where a matchmaker firmly on the shelf is about to fall head over heels for her best friend's younger brother. She lived by a strict set of rules… Meredith Durant believes those who won’t marry, matchmake, and she’s made a notable career for herself helping young women find the perfect mate... -
![An Irish Doctor in Love and at Sea by Patrick Taylor]()
An Irish Doctor in Love and at Sea by Patrick Taylor
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsLong before Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly came to the colourful Irish village of Ballybucklebo, young Surgeon-lieutenant O'Reilly answered the call of duty to serve in World War II. Fingal just wants to marry his beloved Deirdre and live happily ever after... -
![Hellion at Heart by Tamara Gill]()
Hellion at Heart by Tamara Gill
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSifting through the sands in the Middle East while learning of ancient cultures and buried civilizations is all Miss Hallie Evans dreams about. But when an impending scandal forces her back to England, her hopes and dreams are destroyed. Now, as a hired archaeologist for the rich, Hallie explores and studies the ancient ruins excavated on their properties... -
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![Under the Harvest Moon by Collette Cameron, Caroline Warfield]()
Under the Harvest Moon by Collette Cameron, Caroline Warfield
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAs the village of Reabridge in Cheshire prepares for the first Harvest Festival following Waterloo, families are overjoyed to welcome back their loved ones from the war.But excitement quickly turns to mystery when mere weeks before the festival, an orphaned child turns up in the town—a toddler born near Toulouse to an English mother who left clues that tie her to Reabridge...Categorized as:
age difference victorian historical regency pregnancy mystery military marriage of convenience -
![Her Country Gentleman by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden]()
Her Country Gentleman by Sian Ann Bessey, Sarah M. Eden
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsLondon is not the only place to find love . . .WITHIN SIGHT OF THE SEA by Sian Ann BesseyWhen Charlotte's grandmother invites her to accompany her to Norfolk, Charlotte jumps at the chance to visit the sea and escape the fuss surrounding her sister's wedding preparations in London... -
![The Art of Victory by Martha Keyes]()
The Art of Victory by Martha Keyes
Diana Donovan was raised aboard a naval ship on a steady diet of war strategy, so when her orphaned friend, Lucy, is denied a perfectly respectable love match by her controlling guardian, Diana sees an opportunity to put her battle knowledge to use in service of a deserving friend.But Marmaduke Russell is not the middle-aged curmudgeon Diana is expecting... -
![Temperance by Beverley Watts]()
Temperance by Beverley Watts
In this funny romantic series, the Shackleford sisters descend on a Regency society that doesn’t know what’s hit it…Reverend Shackleford was at a loss. He’d truly believed that in marrying his eldest daughter Grace to an extremely wealthy peer of the realm, his problems would be over...Categorized as:
friends to lovers sassy heroine slow burn historical arranged marriage regency humor length-short -
![The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham]()
The Cairo Curse by Pepper Basham
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsClue meets Indiana Jones with a fiction-loving twist only Grace Percy can provide. Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley have already experienced their fair-share of suspense, but when a honeymoon trip takes a detour to the mystical land of Egypt, not even Grace with her fiction-loving mind is prepared for the dangers in store...Categorized as:
christian victorian historical mystery suspense marriage of convenience humor length-medium -
![Miss Fleming Falls in Love by Emma Melbourne]()
Miss Fleming Falls in Love by Emma Melbourne
A Girl. An Earl. A Battle of Wits . . .Miss Amelia Fleming has a very good reason to hate the Earl of Langley. A year ago, her father drowned in the Thames after losing a fortune to Langley at cards. Now her family is broke, her fiancé has broken their engagement, and the debt still hasn't been paid...Categorized as:
victorian strong heroine sassy heroine regency historical humor plain heroine from hate to love -
![The Taste of Love by Meara Platt]()
The Taste of Love by Meara Platt
Will the mysterious Book of Love lead Penelope to her true love? Lady Penelope Sherbourne is not—absolutely not—going to fall in love with Thaddius MacLauren, Laird of Caithness, even if he is a big, handsome Scottish brute and ridiculously protective of her... -
![Miss Hilversham and the Pesky Duke : Wishing Well Seminary Book 1 by Sofi Laporte]()
Miss Hilversham and the Pesky Duke : Wishing Well Seminary Book 1 by Sofi Laporte
Rated: 4.43 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsA strict schoolmistress. A degenerate duke. One house standing between them.Weary of his decadent life, the wicked Duke of Rochford arrives in Bath with every intent to turn over a new leaf. But when the prim, meddling, feisty headmistress of the neighbouring school unleashes her outspoken opposition to Marcus’s presence, he decides to turn his new house into a gambling den, if only to vex her... -
![Katerina and the Reclusive Earl by Alicia Cameron]()
Katerina and the Reclusive Earl by Alicia Cameron
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe London Season! Glittering balls, society, handsome beaus. Every Regency lady’s dream. But not Katerina Fortune’s. And she takes drastic, shocking action to avoid it …In an inn, on the way to her first London Season, Katerina Fortune hears something that gives her a chance to escape her fate... -
![After a Fashion by Jen Turano]()
After a Fashion by Jen Turano
Miss Harriet Peabody dreams of the day she can open up a shop selling refashioned gowns to independent working women like herself. Unfortunately, when an errand for her millinery shop job goes sadly awry due to a difficult customer, she finds herself out of an income. Mr...Categorized as:
christian victorian sassy heroine age difference historical humor clean working class heroine -
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![The Earl's Debutante Debacle by Maggie Dallen]()
The Earl's Debutante Debacle by Maggie Dallen
"Any young lady would be lucky to marry the Earl of Yardley. Perhaps he failed to mention that to Lady Daphne." - Lady Greta, lovely woman, terrible gossipLady Daphne could have her pick of husbands, but she has very particular requirements—namely, the older and more decrepit the better. Actually, knocking on death's door would be nice...Categorized as:
victorian strong heroine age difference slow burn sassy heroine regency historical dual-pov -
![Beatrix, the Baron and His Dog by G.L. Robinson]()
Beatrix, the Baron and His Dog by G.L. Robinson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA Pair as Opposite as Opposite can be!After harrowing experiences in the Napoleonic Wars and suffering from what we would now recognise as PTSD, half-English, half-German Lukas is making a home for his mother and sister in the leafy green of England... -
![The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer]()
The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer
THE RUNAWAY When Sir Richard Wyndham, an accomplished Corinthian, comes across a beautiful young woman climbing out of a window in a bid to escape, he finds the ideal opportunity to realise his own escape. Behind lovely Penelope Creed was the lavish life of a brilliant London heiress, and a proposed marriage to a man she loathed...Categorized as:
victorian friends to lovers sassy heroine age difference regency historical clean mystery -
![A Recipe for a Rogue by Kathleen Ayers]()
A Recipe for a Rogue by Kathleen Ayers
There are many uses for a good custard. Seduction being one of them.Rosalind Richardson is in her third season, pleasantly plump and with an unrestrained passion for making tarts. Her dream is to become London’s finest purveyor of desserts and sweets. She’s certain the key to her future is a collection of unique recipes so exquisite, so rare, that her success and her independence is guaranteed...Categorized as:
victorian age difference sassy heroine strong heroine friends to lovers historical regency humor -
![Manor for Sale, Baron Included by Esther Hatch]()
Manor for Sale, Baron Included by Esther Hatch
She has everything Lord Farnsworth wants, including his manor.Lord Farnsworth would rather rot in debtor’s prison than sell the one place that feels like home to him—his mother’s manor. That is, until he meets the woman who wants to buy it. Sally Duncan is beautiful, intelligent, and as rich as a baron—a rich baron, not a cash-strapped one like Lord Farnsworth... -
![A Governess Should Never... Deny a Duke by Emily Windsor]()
A Governess Should Never... Deny a Duke by Emily Windsor
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratings“So tell me, Miss Beaujeu, why should I employ you as governess?”A question to rouse fear within the breast of any prospective governess but for Isabelle, a lady with impeccable references and tightly pinned hair, it barely raises a brow...Categorized as:
victorian strong heroine historical regency humor from hate to love virgin heroine forbidden love -
![A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Darcy McGuire]()
A Lady's Lesson in Scandal by Darcy McGuire
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 9 ratingsA BRAND NEW spicy historical romance series, featuring a cast of deadly damsels! Wallflower at risk of ruin…Secret femme-fatale in training Millicent Whittenburg needs to escape her unpleasant betrothal. Taking matters into her own hands, she plans her eventual ruin! Then she can disappear from society to carry out the Queen’s deadly missions... -
![Kiss or Dare by Charlie Lane]()
Kiss or Dare by Charlie Lane
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 7 ratingsThis enemies-to-lovers Regency romance by Charlie Lane, shows what happens when sparks fly between a flirty second son of a duke and an inventor’s daughter. She’s risen like a Cinderella.He’s more charming than any prince.They shouldn’t be together, but fate can’t resist.A new year and a new Season means a new Lillian Clarke. She’s transformed herself from wallflower to incomparable... -
![Enchanting the Heiress by Kristi Ann Hunter]()
Enchanting the Heiress by Kristi Ann Hunter
Harriet Hancock likes to make the lives of those around her better whether they like it or not. So, she is surprised when her friend Sophia Whitworth has ideas of her own on how to make Harriet happier--by throwing her together with Sophia's brother, stable hand Jonas Fitzroy. When Harriet discovers his natural way with words, she hatches a plan that would benefit them both...Categorized as:
christian age difference suspense historical regency humor class difference cheerful heroine -
![Widows of Somerset by Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson]()
Widows of Somerset by Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRules of the Secret Society of Young Widows: Rule 1: Be a widow. Rule 2: Have an impeccable reputation. Rule 3: Don't fall in love again. Coming in October: Three Regency Romances by Rebecca Connolly, Jen Geigle Johnson, and Heather B... -
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![To Kiss a Wallflower (Timeless Regency Collection) by Jen Geigle Johnson, Heather B. Moore]()
To Kiss a Wallflower (Timeless Regency Collection) by Jen Geigle Johnson, Heather B. Moore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTHE WALLFLOWER'S DANCE by Jen Geigle JohnsonLottie Hughes likes people, as long as they aren't too close. Does it bother her that no one asks her to dance? Yes, but she's not sure how to drum up dance partners when she has almost no dowry, no title, and freezes up when anyone tries to talk to her... -
![Lady of Fortune by Mary Jo Putney]()
Lady of Fortune by Mary Jo Putney
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsTrue love crosses all boundaries in award-winning New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney’s captivating historical romance, in which a young countess flees revolutionary France for London, becomes a maid, learns about life downstairs, and finds unexpected love.A countess turned servant..Categorized as:
insta-love friends to lovers historical georgian class difference humor sweet-hero aristocracy -
![With Love in Sight by Christina Britton]()
With Love in Sight by Christina Britton
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom RWA's 2017 Golden Heart Winner comes a story of passion that is much more than meets the eye.An aging spinster at 26, all Imogen Duncan sees ahead of her is a life of servitude to her overbearing mother. Her London Season has passed and her desperate shyness and reserved demeanor has destroyed any chance for a match...Categorized as:
friends to lovers slow burn historical regency humor shy heroine virgin heroine sunny hero -
![A Gentleman Will Never... Forget a Lady by Emily Windsor]()
A Gentleman Will Never... Forget a Lady by Emily Windsor
Rated: 4.11 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsGet swept away this winter to rugged Wales...Having lost her beloved, Lady Gwen Evans is planning a life of travel, writing books on her adventures. But will the arrival of a dark, scarred stranger, one winter's eve, disrupt all her plans...A heart-warming Regency tale with sensual scenes...Categorized as:
victorian friends to lovers regency historical humor christmas disabilities and marks length-short -
![The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn]()
The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
She was in the wrong place... Fiercely independent and adventurous, Poppy Bridgerton will only wed a suitor whose keen intellect and interests match her own. Sadly, none of the fools from her London season qualify. While visiting a friend on the Dorset coast, Poppy is pleasantly surprised to discover a smugglers' hideaway tucked inside a cave...Categorized as:
sassy heroine strong heroine slow burn victorian historical pirates humor virgin heroine -
![Step Lively, Mr. Darcy: A Lighthearted Darcy and Elizabeth Christmastime Novella by Laura Hile]()
Step Lively, Mr. Darcy: A Lighthearted Darcy and Elizabeth Christmastime Novella by Laura Hile
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsElizabeth’s mother has lied. Now the horrible Thorpes have come for Christmas!No matter that the fib is an old one, Elizabeth Bennet’s cousins are certain that she is an heiress. Is not the Bennet’s prosperous estate evidence enough? There is a fortune to be had through marriage, and John Thorpe is hungry for it.Repelling the man’s advances is only one of Elizabeth’s troubles...
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