The following 12 authors similar to Charles Martin have a gift for writing stories that reach into the heart; stories about love, loss, faith, redemption and the quiet strength found in ordinary people.
Whether you were moved by The Mountain Between Us or found solace in When Crickets Cry, chances are you’re looking for more writers who offer that same emotional depth and human connection.
Each of the authors below brings something special to the genre, be it soulful storytelling, heartfelt characters or a redemptive thread that lingers long after the last chapter.
12 Authors Similar to Charles Martin
1. Nicholas Sparks
Writing Style & Themes:
Sparks writes emotionally rich stories that explore love, loss and redemption, often set in small Southern towns.Â
His focus on deep human connections makes him a natural fit for fans of Charles Martin.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Notebook
- A Walk to Remember
- The Longest Ride
- The Wish
- See Me
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He writes heartfelt stories that tug at the soul, ideal for readers who enjoy emotional depth, romantic struggles and meaningful resolutions.
Nicholas Sparks’ Website: https://nicholassparks.comÂ
2. Chris Fabry
Writing Style & Themes:
Fabry blends faith, redemption and emotional complexity into stories that focus on everyday people facing life’s deepest struggles.Â
His character-driven narratives resonate with spiritual and emotional depth.
Notable Books/Series:
- War Room
- Dogwood
- Not in the Heart
- Under a Cloudless Sky
- Saving Grayson
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He writes with a quiet strength, weaving inspiration into compelling plots that leave readers both moved and hopeful.
Chris Fabry’s Website: https://www.chrisfabry.com
3. Lynn Austin
Writing Style & Themes:
Austin’s historical novels explore themes of faith, family and perseverance, often spotlighting strong women and social issues with heartfelt insight and touches of gentle humor.
Notable Books/Series:
- Hidden Places
- Until We Reach Home
- Waves of Mercy
- Gods and Kings (Chronicles of the Kings series)
- Long Way Home
Why Readers Will Love Her:
She brings history to life through relatable characters and rich emotional storytelling that lingers long after the last page.
Lynn Austin’s Website: https://lynnaustin.org
4. Robert Dugoni
Writing Style & Themes:
Dugoni’s suspense-driven fiction is laced with emotional resonance, focusing on redemption, family bonds and justice, making his stories powerful beyond the thrills.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell
- The World Played Chess
- The Cyanide Canary
- My Sister’s Grave (Tracy Crosswhite series)
- Her Deadly Game
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He writes suspense that’s deeply human, pairing gripping plots with emotional authenticity that readers of Charles Martin will appreciate.
Robert Dugoni’s Website: https://robertdugoni.com
5. Lisa Wingate
Writing Style & Themes:
Wingate combines family history, resilience and hope in stories that often bridge the past and present.Â
Her Southern storytelling feels personal, warm and rooted in connection.
Notable Books/Series:
- Before We Were Strangers
- The Book of Lost Friends
- Tending Roses
- The Prayer Box (Carolina Heirlooms series)
- Drenched in Light
Why Readers Will Love Her:
She brings generations together through powerful storytelling, offering emotional depth with a gentle Southern grace.
Lisa Wingate’s Website: https://lisawingate.com
6. Tamera Alexander
Writing Style & Themes:
Alexander writes sweeping historical romance grounded in faith, self-discovery and second chances.Â
Her richly detailed settings and heartfelt character arcs feel timeless and sincere.
Notable Books/Series:
- A Lasting Impression (Belmont Mansion series)
- Rekindled
- To Whisper Her Name (Belle Meade series)
- Colors of Truth
- From a Distance
Why Readers Will Love Her:
She crafts immersive stories of love and faith with characters who grow through heartache, making each journey both meaningful and inspiring.
Tamera Alexander’s Website: https://tameraalexander.comÂ
7. Dan Walsh
Writing Style & Themes:
Walsh’s novels reflect the power of faith, forgiveness and restored relationships.Â
His stories often explore emotional healing in contemporary settings, making them deeply personal and uplifting.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Reunion
- The Unfinished Gift
- Remembering Christmas
- When Night Comes (Jack Turner series)
- Rescuing Finley (Forever Home series)
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He writes with heart and tenderness, offering soul-stirring stories that show how faith can mend even the deepest wounds.
Dan Walsh’s Website: https://danwalshbooks.com
8. Boo Walker
Writing Style & Themes:
Walker’s novels are rich with emotional nuance, often centered around personal redemption, small-town charm and the healing power of relationships and second chances.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Stars Don’t Lie
- A Spanish Sunrise
- Red Mountain (Red Mountain Chronicles)
- The Singing Trees
- The Wildest Sun
Why Readers Will Love Him:
His stories dig deep into life’s turning points, offering warmth, hope and the feeling of being truly seen.
Boo Walker’s Website: https://www.boowalker.com
9. Barbara Davis
Writing Style & Themes:
Davis writes emotionally layered stories focused on personal growth, forgiveness and the bonds of love and family.Â
Her prose is elegant and her characters feel real.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Last of the Moon Girls
- When Never Comes
- The Keeper of Happy Endings
- The Echo of Old Books
- A Million Dreams
Why Readers Will Love Her:
She captures quiet transformation with emotional grace, weaving tales of love lost and found that stay with you.
Barbara Davis’ Website: https://www.barbaradavis-author.com
10. Melissa Payne
Writing Style & Themes:
Payne’s novels are introspective and emotionally rich, focusing on grief, resilience and healing.Â
Her character-driven stories explore how people find light in life’s darkest moments.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Secrets of Lost Stones
- A Light in the Forest
- The Night of Many Endings
- The Stars Over Bluebell Ridge
- The Lucky One
Why Readers Will Love Her:
She writes about flawed beautiful people trying to rebuild, offering raw honesty with a sense of quiet hope.
Melissa Payne’s Website: https://www.melissapayneauthor.com
11. Michelle Shocklee
Writing Style & Themes:
Shocklee’s faith-filled historical fiction explores love, justice and redemption across time periods.Â
She weaves the past and present with emotional depth and spiritual grace.
Notable Books/Series:
- Under the Tulip Tree
- Count the Nights by Stars
- The Planter’s Daughter
- Her Part to Play
- The Widow of Rose Hill
Why Readers Will Love Her:
She combines rich historical detail with emotional storytelling, creating stories that uplift and inspire through faith.
Michelle Shocklee’s Website: https://www.michelleshocklee.com
12. Creston Mapes
Writing Style & Themes:
Mapes blends suspense with spiritual reflection, delivering fast-paced plots that explore faith under pressure.Â
His stories balance action and emotional insight with thought-provoking themes.
Notable Books/Series:
- Dark Star (Rock Star Chronicles)
- Nobody
- Fear Has a Name (The Crittendon Files)
- Poison Town
- Full Tilt
Why Readers Will Love Him:
He delivers suspense with heart, keeping readers on edge while exploring the deeper battles of the soul.
Creston Mapes’ Website: http://www.crestonmapes.comÂ
Last Word on the Authors Like Charles Martin
The above 12 authors like Charles Martin offer more than just stories – they invite you into meaningful journeys filled with grace, emotion and quiet strength.
Whether it’s the tender spirituality in Chris Fabry’s novels, the historical depth Lynn Austin brings to life or the emotional suspense found in Robert Dugoni’s work, each writer adds their own voice to a collection of stories that resonate deeply.
From the Southern charm of Lisa Wingate to the heartfelt redemption arcs in Dan Walsh’s books, there’s something here for every reader who cherishes character-driven fiction with heart.
Let us know in the comments below which of the above authors similar to Charles Martin you love most.