The authors similar to Philippa Gregory we’ll look at in this post write rich historical fiction that brings to life powerful women, royal intrigues and the complexities of life in the past.
Whether you’re captivated by the lives of queens or drawn to the drama of courtly politics, these authors provide immersive worlds filled with rich detail and unforgettable characters.
If Gregory’s skill in blending history with heart has captured your imagination, these writers are sure to leave you equally entranced.
12 Authors Similar To Philippa Gregory
1. Alison Weir
Writing Style & Themes:
Alison Weir blends historical fiction with meticulous research focusing on the lives of royal women, especially queens and their personal struggles within powerful dynasties much like Philippa Gregory.
Notable Books/Series:
- Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen
- The Six Wives of Henry VIII
- The Lady in the Tower
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Weir’s deep dive into the lives of royal women and her ability to balance history with personal drama will captivate readers who enjoy rich, fact-based narratives like Gregory’s.
Alison Weir’s Website: https://www.alisonweir.org.uk
2. Jean Plaidy
Writing Style & Themes:
Jean Plaidy’s historical fiction brings to life the often turbulent and dramatic lives of British royalty, with a particular focus on queens.
Her novels are known for their rich historical accuracy and captivating depictions of royal courts, making her a strong match for Philippa Gregory’s emphasis on royal women.
Notable Books/Series:
- Katharine of Aragon
- The Six Wives of Henry VIII
- The Plantagenet Ancestry
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Plaidy’s deep dive into the lives of queens and her vivid portrayal of their struggles in royal life will appeal to readers who enjoy Gregory’s emotional, history-driven tales.
Jean Plaidy’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590.Jean_Plaidy
3. Elizabeth Chadwick
Writing Style & Themes:
Chadwick’s historical fiction is set in medieval England often featuring strong female protagonists like Eleanor of Aquitaine, echoing Gregory’s focus on powerful women throughout history.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Summer Queen
- The Winter Mantle
- The Greatest Knight
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Chadwick’s skill at bringing medieval history to life with compelling characters will draw in readers who love strong female leads and historical depth, just like in Gregory’s works.
Elizabeth Chadwick’s Website: https://www.elizabethchadwick.com
4. Margaret George
Writing Style & Themes:
George writes character-driven biographies of historical women exploring their personal lives and struggles with a richness that mirrors Philippa Gregory’s approach to storytelling.
Notable Books/Series:
- Mary, Called Magdalene
- The Autobiography of Henry VIII
- The Memoirs of Cleopatra
Why Readers Will Love Her:
George’s focus on the complex lives of historical women and her vivid narrative style make her books ideal for readers who enjoy historical accounts like Gregory’s.
Margaret George’s Website: https://margaretgeorge.com
5. Michelle Moran
Writing Style & Themes:
Moran writes captivating historical fiction that delves into the lives of ancient queens, especially focusing on their roles and challenges, much like Gregory’s historical approach to women’s stories.
Notable Books/Series:
- Cleopatra’s Daughter
- Nefertiti
- The Heretic Queen
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Moran’s ability to bring ancient queens to life with rich detail and emotional depth will resonate with fans of Gregory’s storytelling, especially those interested in strong female figures.
Michelle Moran’s Website: https://www.michellemoran.com
6. Robin Maxwell
Writing Style & Themes:
Maxwell’s Tudor narratives focus on character-driven stories particularly about Anne Boleyn’s early life with a style that mirrors Gregory’s engaging and historical portrayal of women.
Notable Books/Series:
- Mademoiselle Boleyn
- The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn
- The Queen’s Bastard
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Maxwell’s exploration of the Tudor period especially her focus on Anne Boleyn’s complex character will attract readers who love Gregory’s takes on similar historical figures.
Robin Maxwell’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17452.Robin_Maxwell
7. Gillian Bagwell
Writing Style & Themes:
Bagwell’s historical fiction focuses on Restoration England, centering on strong adventurous female characters, just like Gregory’s focus on royal women navigating political intrigue.
Notable Books/Series:
- The September Queen
- The Darling Strumpet
- Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show
Why Readers Will Love Her:
With rich historical settings and complex female characters, Bagwell’s books will captivate readers who love Gregory’s mix of personal drama and political tension.
Gillian Bagwell’s Website: https://www.gillianbagwell.com
8. Juliet Grey
Writing Style & Themes:
Grey’s historical fiction explores the lives of royal women particularly in the late period of history, focusing on their trials, tribulations and personal journeys in a detailed way.
Notable Books/Series:
- Becoming Marie Antoinette
- Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow
- The Final Queen
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Grey’s deep historical research combined with her portrayal of the complexities of royal women’s lives will resonate with readers who enjoy Gregory’s rich character-driven narratives.
Juliet Grey’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4519652.Juliet_Grey
9. Joanna Hickson
Writing Style & Themes:
Hickson’s works focus on the Wars of the Roses and strong historical women like Catherine of Valois in detailed settings that echo Gregory’s exploration of female power in turbulent times.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Agincourt Bride
- The Tudor Bride
- The Lady of the Rivers
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Hickson’s deep historical detail will appeal to fans of Gregory’s well-researched tales of women in powerful tumultuous settings.
Joanna Hickson’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5823520.Joanna_Hickson
10. Conn Iggulden
Writing Style & Themes:
Conn Iggulden’s historical novels focus on major wars and royal conflicts, offering a similar attention to historical detail and character-driven narratives with a particular focus on key events that shaped history.
Notable Books/Series:
- Wars of the Roses: Stormbird
- Emperor
- The Falcon of Sparta
Why Readers Will Love Him:
Iggulden’s intense historical narratives and his focus on the struggles of women within royal conflicts will attract readers who love Gregory’s depiction of power and personal drama.
Conn Iggulden’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/119121.Conn_Iggulden
11. Tracy Chevalier
Writing Style & Themes:
Chevalier’s historical fiction often highlights women’s perspectives in various time periods blending rich historical settings with emotional depth, similar to Gregory’s focus on the lives of historical women.
Notable Books/Series:
- Falling Angels
- Burning Bright
- Girl with a Pearl Earring
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Chevalier’s compelling stories of women navigating complex historical settings will captivate readers who enjoy Gregory’s historical fiction and nuanced portrayals of royal women.
Tracy Chevalier’s Website: https://www.tracychevalier.com
12. Laura Andersen
Writing Style & Themes:
Andersen’s alternate history Tudor novels focus on strong female protagonists with richly developed characters and detailed settings, mirroring Gregory’s immersive historical narratives.
Notable Books/Series:
- The Virgin’s Daughter
- The Boleyn King
- The Boleyn Deceit
Why Readers Will Love Her:
Andersen’s strong female characters set against a backdrop of rich Tudor history and alternate events will appeal to readers who enjoy Gregory’s vivid portrayal of royal women and their stories.
Laura Andersen’s Website: https://www.lauraandersenbooks.com/
Last Word on Writers Like Philippa Gregory
The above authors like Philippa Gregory all share a passion for bringing history to life through the eyes of strong complex women.
Whether it’s Alison Weir’s deep dives into royal lives, Jean Plaidy’s captivating portrayals of British queens or Elizabeth Chadwick’s vivid medieval dramas, each writer offers something uniquely compelling.
These authors not only capture the grandeur of history but also the personal struggles, triumphs and tragedies that make these stories timeless.
If you’re a fan of Gregory’s storytelling, you’ll find these authors a perfect next read to continue your journey through the past.
So go ahead and dive into the books of the above authors similar to Philippa Gregory and discover even more captivating tales of intrigue, ambition and resilience woven into the fabric of history.