12 Authors Similar to Kristan Higgins for Romance Fans

The following 12 authors similar to Kristan Higgins we’re going to look at each bring their own blend of warmth, humor and heartfelt storytelling to each page.

If you’ve ever found yourself smiling through one of Higgins’ novels or tearing up at just the right moment, these writers will feel like coming home.

From small-town charm to unforgettable characters who feel like friends, they share the same emotional depth and relatable journeys.

Whether you’re craving a cozy romance, witty dialogue or stories that dig into real life with a soft touch, this list will help you find your next favorite author.

12 Authors Similar to Kristan Higgins

1. Jill Shalvis

Writing Style & Themes:
Jill Shalvis is known for her heartwarming stories set in small towns. 

Her humorous touch and relatable characters, often navigating romance and personal growth, make her a great match for Kristan Higgins fans.

Notable Books/Series:

• Lucky Harbor series
• The Wildstone series
• The Heartbreaker Bay series
• The Sunrise Cove series
• Lost and Found Sisters

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Jill Shalvis brings laughter, warmth and deep emotional connections with relatable characters who make readers feel at home in her charming worlds.

Jill Shalvis’s Website: https://www.jillshalvis.com

2. Susan Mallery

Writing Style & Themes:
Susan Mallery’s stories focus on uplifting family-centered narratives with small-town settings. 

Her emotional depth and relatable characters often resonate with fans of Kristan Higgins’ tone and style.

Notable Books/Series:

• Fool’s Gold series
• The Blackberry Island series
• The Marcelli Sisters series
• Happily Inc series
• Daughters of the Bride

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Susan Mallery’s heartwarming tales explore family bonds, love and the joys of small-town life, making her books perfect for readers who seek emotional connections and feel-good stories.

Susan Mallery’s Website: https://www.susanmallery.com

3. Debbie Macomber

Writing Style & Themes:
Debbie Macomber excels in writing community-driven stories about second chances and relatable characters. 

Her approachable style and focus on family ties are akin to Kristan Higgins’ work.

Notable Books/Series:

• Cedar Cove series
• The Rose Harbor series
• Blossom Street series
• A Good Yarn
• The Friendship List

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Debbie Macomber’s books create a comforting escape into small-town life where readers can enjoy stories about personal growth, love and second chances.

Debbie Macomber’s Website: https://www.debbiemacomber.com

4. Elin Hilderbrand

Writing Style & Themes:
Elin Hilderbrand specializes in writing beach reads with rich family dramas and romance. 

Her character-driven stories with a summery vibe make her a great match for fans of Kristan Higgins’ engaging style.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Hotel Nantucket
• Summer People
• The Rumor
• The Castaways
• 28 Summers

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Elin Hilderbrand’s books are perfect for readers who love stories set by the beach, full of heart, family drama and romance that’s both moving and captivating.

Elin Hilderbrand’s Website: https://www.elinhilderbrand.com

5. Jenny Colgan

Writing Style & Themes:
Jenny Colgan’s stories are known for their charm, humor and unique settings. 

Her focus on relationships and personal growth combined with a lighthearted tone makes her a great choice for Kristan Higgins fans.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Little Shop of Happy-Ever-After
• The Café by the Sea
• The Rosie Hopkins series
• The Bookshop on the Corner
• The Christmas Sisters

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Jenny Colgan’s books are filled with warmth, humor, and delightful characters that make readers feel good, perfect for those who enjoy heartwarming, uplifting tales.

Jenny Colgan’s Website: https://www.jennycolgan.com

6. Jane Green

Writing Style & Themes:
Jane Green writes compelling women’s fiction focused on relationships, personal growth and emotional depth. 

Her relatable stories are perfect for readers who love Kristan Higgins’ heartwarming and character-driven plots.

Notable Books/Series:

• Jemima J
• The Beach House
• The Friends We Keep
• Saving Grace
• Family Pictures

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Jane Green’s novels are deeply emotional with relatable characters navigating love, friendship and personal growth, perfect for readers who appreciate heartfelt stories.

Jane Green’s Website: https://www.janegreen.com

7. Mary Kay Andrews

Writing Style & Themes:
Mary Kay Andrews writes charming southern fiction with quirky characters and heartfelt moments. 

Her humorous and heartwarming style often set around the beach, aligns well with Kristan Higgins’ tone and storytelling.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Beach House
• Summer Rental
• Hissy Fit
• Ladies’ Night
• The Weekenders

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Mary Kay Andrews’ books bring together southern charm, humor and emotional depth, offering readers a delightful escape with strong lovable characters and a cozy atmosphere.

Mary Kay Andrews’s Website: https://www.marykayandrews.com

8. Nancy Thayer

Writing Style & Themes:
Nancy Thayer specializes in beach reads that explore family dynamics, love and personal growth. 

Her engaging storytelling and warm emotional narratives make her a wonderful choice for fans of Kristan Higgins.

Notable Books/Series:

• Beachcombers
• Summer House
• The Island House
• Secrets in Summer
• The Guest Cottage

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Nancy Thayer’s books are perfect for readers who enjoy heartwarming family stories set in beautiful locations, filled with love, growth and the joys of life’s moments.

Nancy Thayer’s Website: https://www.nancythayer.com

9. Katherine Center

Writing Style & Themes:
Katherine Center writes women’s fiction with a focus on personal challenges, romance and emotional resilience. 

Her heartfelt stories are a great match for readers who enjoy Kristan Higgins’ emotional depth and warmth.

Notable Books/Series:

• How to Walk Away
• Things You Save in a Fire
• Happiness for Beginners
• The Lost Husband
• The Bright Side of Disaster

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Katherine Center’s novels are filled with optimism and emotional depth, offering a perfect balance of humor, romance and personal growth that will resonate with readers who love heartfelt stories.

Katherine Center’s Website: https://www.katherinecenter.com

10. Robyn Carr

Writing Style & Themes:
Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series offers small-town romance with deep emotional connections, overcoming adversity and heartfelt moments. 

Her storytelling style is very similar to Kristan Higgins’ with a focus on community and love.

Notable Books/Series:

• Virgin River series
• Grace Valley series
• Thunder Point series
• The Sullivan’s Crossing series
• The Widow of Rose Hill

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Robyn Carr’s books captivate with stories of love, family and overcoming life’s challenges in close-knit communities, perfect for readers who enjoy emotional romance.

Robyn Carr’s Website: https://www.robyncarr.com

11. Beth Kendrick

Writing Style & Themes:
Beth Kendrick’s contemporary romances are set in quirky small towns filled with humor and charming characters. 

Her witty and heartwarming style resonates well with readers who enjoy Kristan Higgins’ lighthearted yet meaningful stories.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service
• The Bake-Off
• Cure for the Common Breakup
• Almost Perfect
• Karma and the Art of Happiness

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Beth Kendrick’s novels are full of quirky humor, romance and small-town charm, offering readers a fun emotional ride with relatable characters and heartwarming stories.

Beth Kendrick’s Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21197.Beth_Kendrick 

12. Sophie Kinsella

Writing Style & Themes:
Sophie Kinsella is known for her humorous chick lit with quirky characters and romantic storylines. 

Her comedic elements and focus on personal growth make her an excellent choice for fans of Kristan Higgins’ charming style.

Notable Books/Series:

• Confessions of a Shopaholic
• Can You Keep a Secret?
• The Undomestic Goddess
• Remember Me?
• My Not So Perfect Life

Why Readers Will Love Her:
Sophie Kinsella’s books are filled with humor, romance and personal growth, offering a delightful escape with lovable characters and plenty of laughs.

Sophie Kinsella’s Website: https://www.sophiekinsella.co.uk

Final Word on the Authors Like Kristan Higgins

The above 12 authors like Kristan Higgins offer a comforting blend of heartfelt storytelling, humor and relatable characters that fans of her work will truly appreciate.

Whether it’s Jill Shalvis with her small-town charm, Katherine Center’s emotional depth or Sophie Kinsella’s laugh-out-loud moments, each writer brings something special to the table.

From Robyn Carr’s close-knit communities to Jenny Colgan’s uplifting tales, you’ll find plenty to love here.

If you’ve been looking for authors similar to Kristan Higgins to read next, this list is a wonderful place to start.