My favorite thing in the world is finding books just like the books I already love. I scour all sorts of lists and websites, looking for the next book to read. Since I’m a brand new author, this is my own page of comps and read-alikes. I’ll list books that I love (usually series), and why they might be similar to the books I’m writing.

This section also includes my official “comps” and why I picked them. And just for fun, a “family tree” of the authors I have re-read a thousand times until they have settled deeply into my inner ear. (still coming)

Official Comps for The Domestic Diplomat (recent publications)

  • Someone to Remember by Mary Balogh. Why? My tone and focus is very similar to Balogh’s. I use relationships to delve more deeply into each individual and have deeply developed communities around the main characters. I chose this book because it also focuses on relationships and the fear of betrayal within the characters’ family of origin and creating a new family to protect younger siblings.
  • The Duke Who Didn’t, The Duchess Wars by Courtney Milan Why? Milan deals with modern social issues, especially around race and culture, in a way that is sensitive to historical accuracy as well as modern understanding. Her characters deal with deep issues while being playful, sexy, and full of lively dialogue.
  • A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier. Why? Like Chevalier, my books are told in a linear timeline and follow a woman’s thoughts and emotional development. Both her heroine and mine start off quiet and reserved, but eventually discover their inner strength. Both books also are rich in detail about embroidery.
  • A Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig. Why? The focus on women’s friendships, including the frustrations, the intermingling of external plot with internal growth, and the full cast of characters.
Don’t you love going to the library to look for your next book to read?

Read-Alikes:

If you Like….You might like my….Because….Link
Jasmine Guilloryall booksA consciously relationship positive approach to romance, where the protagonists honestly build communication skills and grow in themselves.link
Mimi MatthewsFledglings seriesClothing, textiles, and vivid descriptions of British characters traveling around the world.link
Adriana TrigianiFledglings seriesIn-depth exploration of a relationship and partnership and the ups and downs of marriage. Period details focused around women’s experience, including interesting information about artisans.link
Sharon ShinnFledglings seriesExploration of current social issues through a very different worldlink
Beverly JenkinsGentleman & DreamerConfident Black romance with strong historical context. Our writing voices are quite different though.link
Carley Fortuneall bookslyrical romance between two flawed people doing their bestlink
Lorena HughesCosta Rica Chroniclesadventure & family drama in Central America. Her books are much darker and set about 100 years after mine.link
Geraldine BrooksCosta Rica & Istanbulbooks that touch on serious moments in history while being grounded within the relationships and love between characterslink
Beth O’Learyall booksfun, romantic, full-cast plot, touching on some deeper issueslink
Evie DunmoreDomestic Diplomat, G&Dhistorical romance with politicslink
Rachel Lynn Solomonall booksromantic plot with serious depths; interracial romancelink