23 of the Best Time Travel Books Like the Time Traveler’s Wife
Time travel books are such a fun genre to read. Whether you love time travel romance books, contemporary fiction or are drawn to multiple lives, we have the best time travel books in one place.
I find it so interesting that the idea of time travel finds its way into so many different genres of books. Who would think that historical fiction would go with time travel and yet, just have a look at the phenomenon of Outlander.
I am not sure if that spark was the beginning of this amazing sub-genre of books but, I love each one on this list. If you are looking for books like The Time Traveler’s Wife, you will find some great options on this list.
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Best Time Travel Romance Books
Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Year: 1991
Genre: Historical Fantasy
More info: Outlander Series Book 1 of 9
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This epic story begins in 1945 when Claire Randall and her husband take a second honeymoon to the Scottish Highlands to celebrate being reunited after the war. When Claire touches one of the standing stones, she is transported to 1743.
This is when the real story begins. In order to stay safe as an English woman in Scotland, Clare must depend on Jamie Frasier for protection. Soon Clare finds herself living in a world she has only read about in history books and torn between two men that she loves. In addition to being a brilliant fiction that is rich in historical details, it is an epic love story as well. For me, this is magical realism at its finest.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, sexual assault, sexual violence
Why Kirsten loves it
How do I love Outlander? I cannot count the ways. There is a reason this is one of my favorite books of all time. I am a huge reader of historical fiction and this one checks all the boxes for me. The characters are rich, the plot is complex without being overly complicated and the epic love story make it almost perfect in my eyes.
Why Jackie loves it
Even though I am not a huge historical fiction connoisseur, I could not put this book down. Even at 640 pages, I did not want it to end and immediately picked up the next book in the series. I love the touch of magical realism that transported Clare back in time 200 years and Gabaldon’s story telling made the characters jump off the page.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of All Time / Ultimate List of Historical Fiction/ Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Magical Realism Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Year: 2011
Genre: Fantasy
More info: All Souls Trilogy #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Diana Bishop is in Oxford’s Bodleian Library when she accidentally recovers an ancient book, Ashmole 782, that has been missing for hundreds of years. In doing so, she triggers her long-forgotten magic and opens the door for vampires, witches, and demons to search out Diana and the book.
Matthew de Clermont is one of the vampires drawn to Ashmole 782. He has been looking for it for hundreds of years. Soon it is clear that even though relationships between species is forbidden, Matthew is drawn to Diana for more than just the book. The two begin to work together to unravel the mysteries behind the book, the magic and the people looking for the book.
This urban fantasy book about secret societies, witches, vampires, and more is a blend of heart-pounding action, historical fiction, and romance with the perfect mix of fantasy as well.
Trigger Warnings
Blood, torture
Why Jackie loves it
If you love the witch aspect of Harry Potter, Vampires, fantasy books, or time travel books then you will love The All Souls trilogy. This adult fantasy novel explores the history of witches, demons, and vampires. This series reads like a historical fiction and I love it. I thought the series was done at book four and was so excited to learn that there is a new book in the series!
Find this book in: Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Best Fantasy Books for Adults / Books About Witches / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Books About Libraries / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult Fantasy Novels
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Year: 2011
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After Eva’s sister dies, she heads back to Cornwall England to find peace and rest. What she discovers is more than she expects when she finds herself inexplicably back in time. She finds herself falling in love with Daniel Butler, a man who lived in the eighteenth century.
As her heart begins to feel again, can she find a way to heal her broken heart and find love? Can she live between two times? This is a wonderful time travel romance book that you will want to read again and again.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this book set in Cornwall in only a few days because I loved it so much. This is another book that I read this month that is the perfect pick for books like Outlander.
Why Jackie loves it
This historical romance book was such a quick read for me because I loved the plot and characters. I felt invested in Eva’s story and wanted her to get a happy ending.
Find this book in: Books Like Outlander / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Time Travel Romance Books / The Best Historical Romance Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title
The Time Traveler’s Wife
Year: 2003
Genre: Time Travel Fiction
More info: 2009 Movie starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
Clare and Henry have an unusual love story. They’ve known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six but were married when Clare was twenty-three and Henry was thirty-one. Henry is an adventurous librarian who inadvertently travels through time.
He never knows where he will turn up and when he will disappear. He knows that he will travel suddenly and without warning. Will Clare and Henry be able to determine what causes the time jumps or is Henry destined to spend the rest of his life wondering and worrying?
Trigger Warnings
Sudden Death
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore how this story explores very real challenges that any couple faces. With the added time travel element, it becomes an unforgettable pick from our list of romance books.
Why Jackie loves it
The way Clare and Henry fight for their love shows a deep connection between the two that is unmatched.
Find this book in: Best Time Travel Books / Time Travel Romance Books / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Best Romance Novels of All Time / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Books About Librarians
Best Time Travel Books Like Outlander
A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
This setup of this time travel romance is the same as Outlander but in reverse! In the first part of the book, Douglass accidentally summons an Earl from the 16th century to modern England!
Dougless vowels to help return Nicholas to his own time, but not before trying to help him figure out who framed him for treason in his own era. But when he’s sent back and nothing changes, Dougless needs to head back to his time and try to save his life.
The attention to detail in the 16th century was reminiscent of Diana Gabaldon’s work. It’s a total must-read for fans of Jamie and Claire’s love story. You can find this one on our list of Time Travel Romance Books as well as 29 Books like Outlander for Fans of the Hit Series.
A love story that spans time is an easy pick for the best romance novels of all time
The Librarian
Author: Christy Sloat
Year: 2017
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: The Librarian Chronicles #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Emme’s grandmother dies, she agrees to take over Gram’s library despite plans to head to college abroad. When she opens a book from Gra’s special collection, she finds herself face to face with Jack Ridgewell in 1892 England. Emme is part of an elite group of women who can travel to the past through books.
Why Jackie loves it
This is reminded me of Outlander! This brings a whole new meaning to Book Boyfriend. You’ll love this fantasy book about books.
Find this book in: Books About Librarians / Books like Outlander / Books About Books
Scribe of Siena by Melodie Winawer
A perfect summer read about a neurosurgeon who is transported back to Siena in the time of the plague. The narrative makes me feel like I am in Italy.
Depicted as Outlander meets Girl with a Pearl Earring, at its heart, it is a love story. I could not put it down and finished it as a perfect start to the summer reading season. I love this time travel book set in Italy and it is the perfect time travel romance book for a list of books like Outlander.
Do you love Outlander? Check out these books!
Best Contemporary Fiction Time Travel Books Like the Time Traveler’s Wife
Oona Out of Order
Author: Margarita Montimore
Year: 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: April 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
I absolutely loved this story about Oona who at the stroke of midnight on her 19th birthday, finds herself in her 51-year-old body. She is greeted by a stranger who is waiting for her in her home and tells her that every year, she will jump to another point in her life- she will live her life out of order.
This is an emotional, well-written story that will not only keep you quickly turning pages but also make you think about the small things in life that we take for granted.
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a unique book that left me wanting more with every turn of the page. Because this book is a nonlinear narrative, you never know what is going to happen or what age Oona will be.
Find this book in: New Year’s Eve Books / Best Time Travel Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Feel-Good Books / Books Set in the 80s
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
March 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
What a refreshing contemporary fiction book about the power of love and friendship. I sat down and read this book in one sitting easily. It is captivating from the first sentence and had me until the last page.
Dannie is an ambitious lawyer with a plan. She has her life planned out until she falls asleep and spends one hour in the future. Nothing is familiar- not her house, the ring on her finger, or the man by her side. When she wakes, she cannot get the images out of her head.
I loved this time travel book it was unexpected, unconventional, and a delight to read. As books for book clubs go, this pick is sure to be a hit. And if your book club is looking for books about friends, this one is a sure hit.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
I absolutely loved Casey’s first book and had very high hopes for this one.
August moves to NYC and into a house filled with weird roommates. When she meets Jane on the subway, sparks fly immediately, and riding the subway becomes the best part of her day. The twist? Jane is displaced from the 1970s and cannot get off the train. As paranormal romance books go, this one is not to be missed.
I enjoyed this book but, I felt that there were some parts that dragged on a bit. It is very hard to find new ways to talk about a relationship that can only take place on the train. I loved the premise of this time travel romance book.
Best Time Travel Books with Multiple Lives
The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Year: 2020
Genre: Time Travel Fiction
More info: October 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The story is about a library with books filled with the infinite possibilities of the lives not lived. Have you ever wondered about a choice, or a path not taken?
When Nora finds herself in the library she is forced to face the choices that she made in her life- relationships, education, profession… The books in the library are endless, each an alternate reality of the endless life choices. Nora has to decide what kind of life she wants to live.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
I loved Matt Haig’s last book and was so excited to read this one. This is a magical time travel book and I loved every minute of getting to know Nora’s paths untravelled. Matt Haig is a master of magical realism.
Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Books About Books / Time Loop Books / Magical Realism / Best Books of 2020 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books About Libraries / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
If you love to read celebrity books club picks, we have a complete list of GMA book club picks ranked and updated!
A Day Like This by Kelley McNeil
I absolutely love this book and wish that I never had to put it down. It grabbed me from the first page until the last. Annie Beyers is happily married with a daughter named Hannah and living in her beloved yellow house.
When she gets into a car accident on the way to the pediatrician, she wakes up in the hospital and everything has changed. Her husband is estranged and they tell her that Hannah never existed.
This well-written, gripping story asks the question “what-if?”.
This book will leave you smiling and is a perfect feel-good read. There is the perfect amount of magic and reality to appeal to everyone.
Plot
Ursula Todd is born one night in 1910 and died before taking her first breath. She is born again on the same snowy night in 1910 and so the story continues.
Ursula lives her life over and over and hopes that she can get it right and change her story. As she grows, she grapples with family life and WWII.
Why Kirsten loves it
This masterful work by Kate Atkinson is a family drama, historical fiction, and magical realism all rolled into one fantastic book. This unique story is one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Why Jackie loves it
The story is so unique and Atkinson’s writing is wonderful. This story felt fresh, even when watching Ursula live her life over and over again. The story gives such a fresh glimpse of WWII but is also a story about family.
Find this book in: Best WWII Books / Books Like the Time Traveler’s Wife / Magical Realism / Time Loop Books / British Books
In a Holidaze
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2020
Genre: Holiday Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Do you love Christmas movies? Are you obsessed with Christmas Romance books? Do you need to swoon? If you answered yes to any of those questions, stop everything and order In a Holidaze. This is possibly my favorite Christmas novel of all time and was a must for best holiday books.
I adored Mae and Andrew’s love story. It’s set up like Groundhog’s Day with Mae repeating the same Christmas vacation until she gets it right.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a time-travel romance at its best. And man… does she get it right. Peppermint kisses, sexy sledding, snowball fights, Christmas Tree trimming… this book oozes cheer-filled holiday goodness with a few scenes that are steamier than a cup of cocoa.
Why Jackie loves it
I thought a time loop book would become repetitive and this book was definitely not repetitive! I could not get enough of the Christmas cheer and the sweet moments in this book. I was rooting for the characters!
Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Best Books of 2020 / Magical Realism / Time Loop Books / Fantasy Christmas Books / Best Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Romance Books
The Seven and a half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
This is one of the best books that I have read in a really long time. It is so smart and so well written- the complexity of the plot line is mind-boggling and kept me absolutely entranced until the very last page.
Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered every day at 11:00 PM. In order to escape Blackheath, Aiden Bishop must solve her murder. He will wake up every day for 8 days inhabiting a different host body.
I absolutely love the way that Stuart Turton tells a story. Everything is explained and in hindsight is so clear but, will keep you guessing throughout the entire book. This is a murder mystery but with a twist, and a delightful one at that.
Historical Fantasy Time Travel Books Like the Time Traveler’s Wife
The Invisible Hour
Author: Alice Hoffman
Year: 2023
Genre: Magical Realism
More info: Stand Alone Novel
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fantasy is a story of love, heartbreak, and the magic of books. Mia Jacob is on the verge of sinking herself into a river when the book The Scarlet Letter saves her. The words seem to tell her story of growing up in an oppressive cult where contact with the outside world is forbidden and reading books is a heinous crime.
Even more daunting is the inscription on the inside cover of the book. It is inscribed to her. This is a time travel romance book as only Hoffman could do it. I loved the audio version of the book- it brought life and depth to this story.
Why Jackie loves it
Alice Hoffman has a place in my heart with all of her books, including Practical Magic (one of my favorite series). So it is no surprise that I love this Alice Hoffman book. It is a book lover’s dream come true. I don’t want to give any more of the plot away 🙂
Find this book in: Time Travel Romance Books / Alice Hoffman Books in Order
The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen Flynn
As part of a group of workers from the future, Liam and Rachel are sent back in time to diagnose Jane’s illness and help her complete her next book.
I love the grittier side of this time travel book. It doesn’t romanticize the time period, very similar to the way Diana Gabaldon shows the harsh realities of life in the Highlands or onboard a ship at sea.
Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston
Little Shop of Found Things was totally what I thought it would be and I was so pleasantly surprised. Part historical fiction and part fantasy, this time travel book is perfect for fans of Outlander.
Xanthe and her Mother are starting a new life in their newly acquired antique shop. Xanthe has always had the ability to touch objects and have them “sing” their story to her. When she touches an old chatelaine, she feels more connected to this object than anything else she has ever touched.
When she finds herself inextricably transported to 1605, she must find a way to get herself home and help someone from the past. When she meets Samuel, an architect, she wonders if she will have the strength to leave.
11/22/63 by Steven King
The book was brilliantly researched and had an amazing premise in which Jake Epping steps into a time hole to stop the assassination of Kennedy. Every time he leaves history, time resets itself. This means that if something does not go right, he can reset the clock and try again.
The historic details in this time travel book were immaculate but, as much as everyone loved this book, I thought that it was much too long. You have to be prepared for almost 900 pages.
Kindred by Octavia Butler
Dana is a black women in the 1970’s when she is abruptly transported to the antebellum South. She saves Rufus, the white son of the plantation owner, and then is transported back home again.
Dana keeps finding herself transported back in time to save Rufus over and over while she finds herself in an increasing amount of danger. This is an amazing, fast-paced read.
Do you want to read more historical fantasy? Check out this post.
The Best Middle-Grade Time Travel Books
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
More info: Miss Peregruine’s Peculiar Children book 1 of 6
Age Range: 9+
Plot
When Jacob experiences a family tragedy, he finds himself on a remote island off the coast of Whales. He Discovers a crumbling ruin that was once Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
As Jacob explores the ruins, he finds clues that lead him to believe these children might be alive even though it seems impossible.
Why Jackie loves it
This series is full of magic and mystery. The amazing combination of fiction with antique photographs leads to a truly unique story that brings the characters to life.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy / Halloween Chapter Books / Time Loop Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books / Best Books for 11-year-olds / Time Travel Books
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling
An often underrated book in the series, Prisoner of Azkaban is one of the books with the more complicated story lines.
If you have not read the book, you should stop reading for spoilers! I LOVE how Rowling incorporated the time turner into this book that had more twists and turns than I could count.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
This classic book tells the story of Meg, a high school student, who must travel through space and time to rescue her father.
Along with her younger brother and her friend, Meg learns about the tesseract- a wrinkle in time and space that she must travel through in order to save her father from Evil. This is the OG time travel book for kids.
For more middle grade books, check out our list of books for 10-year-old, 11-year-old, 12-year-old, or 13-year-old readers.
Time Travel Sci-Fi Books
An Ocean of Minutes: A Novel by Thea Lim
As soon as I saw the description of this book, I knew I needed to read it. In an alternate reality, there is a flu ravaging the population. In exchange for a cure, loved ones agree to travel into the future for the price of the vaccine.
This time travel book was more dystopian than I thought it would be but, I felt compelled to keep reading. I thought it was going to a romance but it is filled with heartbreak, pain, and tragedy.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
This is sci-fi for non-sci-fi fans. Also, it sort of reminded me of a wrinkle in time. The science part of the story was easily explained to me and the story was absolutely captivating!
More Time Travel Books
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