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.

Read-Alikes:
If you Like…. | You might like my…. | Because…. | Link |
Jasmine Guillory | all books | A consciously relationship positive approach to romance, where the protagonists honestly build communication skills and grow in themselves. | link |
Mimi Matthews | Fledglings series | Clothing, textiles, and vivid descriptions of British characters traveling around the world. | link |
Adriana Trigiani | Fledglings series | In-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 Shinn | Fledglings series | Exploration of current social issues through a very different world | link |
Beverly Jenkins | Gentleman & Dreamer | Confident Black romance with strong historical context. Our writing voices are quite different though. | link |
Carley Fortune | all books | lyrical romance between two flawed people doing their best | link |
Lorena Hughes | Costa Rica Chronicles | adventure & family drama in Central America. Her books are much darker and set about 100 years after mine. | link |
Geraldine Brooks | Costa Rica & Istanbul | books that touch on serious moments in history while being grounded within the relationships and love between characters | link |
Beth O’Leary | all books | fun, romantic, full-cast plot, touching on some deeper issues | link |
Evie Dunmore | Domestic Diplomat, G&D | historical romance with politics | link |
Rachel Lynn Solomon | all books | romantic plot with serious depths; interracial romance | link |