12 Authors Similar To Mary Kay Andrews You Must Read

If you’re looking for authors similar to Mary Kay Andrews, then you’re in the right place.

Known for her humorous heartwarming Southern fiction, Andrews captivates readers with strong female leads, a touch of romance and a hint of mystery.

Mary Kay Andrews, whose real name is Kathy Hogan Trocheck, began her writing career in 1992 with the publication of her first novel, Every Crooked Nanny and later adopted the pen name Mary Kay Andrews in 2002.

Since then, she has become a bestselling author drawing readers into her charming atmospheric stories set in the South.

Whether you love lighthearted Southern fiction, uplifting women’s stories or cozy mysteries, these 12 authors like Mary Kay Andrews will deliver the same warmth, wit and charm that keep her fans coming back for more.

12 Authors Similar To Mary Kay Andrews

1. Elin Hilderbrand

Writing Style & Themes

Elin Hilderbrand’s novels are packed with romance, friendship and personal challenges, much like Mary Kay Andrews’ stories. 

Her books transport readers to coastal settings, particularly Nantucket, where she weaves richly detailed character-driven narratives.

Notable Books/Series

• The Hotel Nantucket
• Winter in Paradise (Paradise series)
• The Blue Bistro

Why Readers Will Love Her

Hilderbrand’s novels offer the perfect blend of charm, emotion and escapism. 

Like Andrews, she creates relatable strong female leads who navigate love, loss and self-discovery in picturesque settings.

Elin Hilderbrand’s Website: www.elinhilderbrand.net

2. Kristin Hannah

Writing Style & Themes

Kristin Hannah is known for her powerful emotional storytelling. 

As an author like Mary Kay Andrews, she writes about strong women, family bonds and resilience, often incorporating historical elements into her narratives.

Notable Books/Series

• The Nightingale
• Firefly Lane (Firefly Lane series)
• The Four Winds

Why Readers Will Love Her

Hannah’s books pull at the heartstrings featuring compelling female protagonists who face deep personal struggles. 

Fans of Andrews will appreciate her rich character development and emotional depth.

Kristin Hannah’s Website: www.kristinhannah.com

3. Susan Mallery

Writing Style & Themes

Susan Mallery’s novels combine romance, humor and small-town charm, a mix that will feel familiar to Mary Kay Andrews fans. 

Her stories revolve around family relationships, friendships and second chances.

Notable Books/Series

• The Summer Getaway
• The Girls of Mischief Bay (Mischief Bay series)
• Sisters Like Us

Why Readers Will Love Her

Mallery’s books are funny, heartwarming and easy to read, making them perfect for fans who love Andrews’ lighthearted yet emotionally satisfying stories.

Susan Mallery’s Website: www.susanmallery.com

4. Debbie Macomber

Writing Style & Themes

Debbie Macomber is a master of uplifting heartfelt fiction. 

Like Mary Kay Andrews, she writes warm relatable stories about family, friendships and love, often set in cozy small-town communities.

Notable Books/Series

• Cottage by the Sea
• The Cedar Cove Series
• The Blossom Street Series

Why Readers Will Love Her

Macomber’s books feel like a warm hug. 

Her optimistic comforting stories resonate with readers who love Andrews’ feel-good and charming narratives.

Debbie Macomber’s Website: www.debbiemacomber.com

5. Barbara Delinsky

Writing Style & Themes

Barbara Delinsky writes character-driven women’s fiction that delves into family relationships, personal growth and romance. 

Like Andrews, she creates moody yet heartwarming stories with strong emotional depth.

Notable Books/Series

• Sweet Salt Air
• Before and Again
• Coast Road

Why Readers Will Love Her

Delinsky’s novels offer rich storytelling, deep emotions and engaging characters. 

Readers who love Andrews’ blend of humor and heartfelt moments will find her books just as satisfying.

Barbara Delinsky’s Website: www.barbaradelinsky.com

6. Karen White

Writing Style & Themes

Karen White’s novels are Southern fiction with a touch of mystery making them a great match for Mary Kay Andrews fans. 

She blends family drama, romance and intrigue, often set in the Southeastern U.S.

Notable Books/Series

• The House on Tradd Street (Tradd Street series)
• The Night the Lights Went Out
• Dreams of Falling

Why Readers Will Love Her

White’s books offer atmospheric settings, layered storytelling and strong female protagonists. 

Fans of Andrews will love her mix of Southern charm, secrets and engaging mysteries.

Karen White’s Website: www.karen-white.com

7. Mary Alice Monroe

Writing Style & Themes

Mary Alice Monroe’s novels beautifully blend Southern fiction with environmental themes. 

As an author similar to Mary Kay Andrews, she writes engaging character-driven stories about strong women, family bonds and personal transformation, often set in coastal South Carolina.

Notable Books/Series

• The Beach House (Beach House series)
• The Summer Girls (Lowcountry Summer series)
• The Islanders

Why Readers Will Love Her

Monroe’s books are atmospheric, deeply emotional and filled with Southern charm. 

Fans of Andrews’ vivid settings and heartfelt storytelling will enjoy the nature-infused uplifting narratives Monroe crafts.

Mary Alice Monroe’s Website: www.maryalicemonroe.com

8. Jennifer Weiner

Writing Style & Themes

Jennifer Weiner’s books capture women’s experiences with wit and warmth, making her a great match for Mary Kay Andrews fans. 

She writes humorous women’s fiction featuring strong female leads, relationships and personal growth.

Notable Books/Series

• Good in Bed
• Big Summer
• In Her Shoes

Why Readers Will Love Her

Weiner’s novels combine humor, heart and relatable characters, perfect for fans of Andrews who love lighthearted yet meaningful stories about women navigating life’s ups and downs.

Jennifer Weiner’s Website: www.jenniferweiner.com

9. Jane Green

Writing Style & Themes

Jane Green specializes in women’s fiction often exploring relationships, humor and personal reinvention. 

Like Mary Kay Andrews, she writes warm emotionally resonant stories with engaging likable heroines.

Notable Books/Series

• The Beach House
• Jemima J
• The Friends We Keep

Why Readers Will Love Her

Green’s novels are witty, heartfelt and packed with relatable moments, much like Andrews’. 

Her ability to mix romance, humor and personal growth makes her books a great fit for fans of uplifting fiction.

Jane Green’s Website: www.janegreen.com

10. Laura Dave

Writing Style & Themes

Laura Dave blends women’s fiction with elements of mystery and suspense, making her an interesting choice for Mary Kay Andrews fans. 

She writes about family, relationships and self-discovery, with an insightful and emotionally honest tone.

Notable Books/Series

• The Last Thing He Told Me
• Eight Hundred Grapes
• Hello, Sunshine

Why Readers Will Love Her

Dave’s novels offer compelling characters, family drama and unexpected twists. 

Readers who enjoy Andrews’ strong heroines and layered storytelling will appreciate Dave’s engaging and thought-provoking narratives.

Laura Dave’s Website: www.lauradave.com

11. Susan Wiggs

Writing Style & Themes

Susan Wiggs is known for emotionally rich character-driven women’s fiction. 

Like Mary Kay Andrews, she writes heartfelt stories about love, family and personal growth, often set in charming small towns.

Notable Books/Series

• The Apple Orchard (Bella Vista series)
• The Oysterville Sewing Circle
• Table for Five

Why Readers Will Love Her

Wiggs’ books are warm, immersive and deeply touching. 

Fans of Andrews will love her ability to create relatable characters and heartfelt stories that explore the complexities of life and love.

Susan Wiggs’ Website: www.susanwiggs.com

12. Sarah Pekkanen

Writing Style & Themes

Sarah Pekkanen writes engaging and emotionally layered women’s fiction, sometimes with a touch of suspense. 

Like Mary Kay Andrews, she focuses on relationships, personal struggles and strong female protagonists.

Notable Books/Series

• The Ever After
• The Perfect Neighbors
• The Wife Between Us (co-written with Greer Hendricks)

Why Readers Will Love Her

Pekkanen’s books are fast-paced, emotionally gripping and filled with compelling female leads. 

Fans of Andrews will enjoy her mix of real-life challenges, drama and heartfelt moments.

Sarah Pekkanen’s Website: www.sarahpekkanen.com

Last Word On Authors Like Mary Kay Andrews

If you’re looking for authors like Mary Kay Andrews, the above list gives you plenty of fantastic options to explore. 

Whether you love Andrews’ Southern charm, humor, strong female leads or heartfelt storytelling, these writers bring similar elements to their novels.

For example, Elin Hilderbrand transports readers to coastal Nantucket with her engaging character-driven stories, while Kristin Hannah delivers powerful emotional tales about resilience and family bonds. 

If you enjoy Andrews’ mix of romance, small-town charm and humor, Susan Mallery and Debbie Macomber are perfect choices. 

And for those who love a touch of mystery and intrigue, Karen White brings an extra layer of depth to her Southern fiction.

No matter what you love most about Mary Kay Andrews’ books, these 12 authors like her will keep you entertained with their warm, witty and engaging storytelling. 

P.S. Let us know in the comments below which of the above authors similar to Mary Kay Andrews is your favorite.