Books Like the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
When I look for books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I look for books set in Old Hollywood, biographical fiction about strong women, and historical fiction that explores women’s issues.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that I was enthralled by Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn Hugo is the embodiment of luxurious, Old Hollywood style with unexpected twists and turns sprinkled throughout. It’s a narrative that explores what it meant to be a woman at the time and showcases just how strong Evelyn was in the face of social pressures.
While Evelyn Hugo may be hard to live up to, I think you will enjoy these books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo below.
The Best Books Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Biographical Fiction Book like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry – Jump to Section
The Best Old Hollywood Book Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr – Jump to section
The Best Historical Fiction Book Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Spectacular by Fiona Davis – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Biographical Fiction Books About Strong Women
Great Big Beautiful Life
Author: Emily Henry
Year: 2025
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author, May 2025 Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Margaret Ives is an octogenarian who has not been seen in years. She invites two authors to stay with her for a month on a trial basis so she can decide who will write her memoir. Both Alice and Hayden want the job and while Alice is waiting for her big break, Hayden is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and fully expects to be chosen for the job.
Margaret gives Alice and Hayden an NDA so they cannot discuss anything with anybody, including each other. They know that Margaret is lying, but they do not know why. A lot can happen in a month especially when the chemistry between them gets stronger by the day.
Why Jackie likes it
While Emily Henry is known for her beach-read romances, this book is that with a twist. Margaret Ives reminds me of Evelyn Hugo. The reader learns about Margaret’s life in the spotlight and the effects it has on her life and her family. The romance is there, but it is almost secondary to the story Margaret tells. Alice and Hayden are the quintessential grumpy-sunshine pairing, but with a deeper look into both of their stories.
Find this book in: Emily Henry Books Ranked / Books Like Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2025
Violeta
Author: Isabel Allende
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
One of the Best Books of the Year: Popsugar, Real Simple, Reader’s Digest
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the story of Violeta, a woman whose life was bookended by two pandemics. An ordinary citizen of South America, her life story swept me away. She goes from wealth to destitution during the Great Depression, experiences numerous marriages, and navigates the dramas of her children and grandchildren. Ultimately, she lives a life rich in passion, loss, and joy.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, Drug Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
How have I never read an Isabel Allende book before? SHOCKING! When the story ended, I felt like I was parting with a dear friend.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books with Colors in the Title / Epistolary Novels / Books With Flowers in the Title / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Diva
Author: Daisy Goodwin
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Daisy Goodwin has done it again with this incredible biographical fiction about Maria Callas, famed Opera singer, and lover of Aristotle Onassis.
As usual with Daisy Goodwin’s stories, I found myself transfixed by the story of Maria’s life and her relationship with Onassis. It was fascinating to see how their courtship affected her performances and how she grew to become an unstoppable force in an industry ruled by men.
Why Kirsten loves it
I had previously read Gill Paul‘s story Jackie & Maria and thought I might find this book redundant, but I was wrong. They bring two different perspectives that flush out the Maria – Onassis- Jackie O love triangle. #gifted by St. Martins Press
Find this book in: Music Books / Biographical Fiction / New Historical Fiction Books / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Age of Light
Author: Whitney Scharer
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This historical fiction novel is about real-life photographer and model, Lee Miller. I had never heard of Miller prior to this book, though I was familiar with her lover, Man Ray.
Why Kirsten loves it
Lee Miller made some life choices that I can’t say I agree with, but I found her to be a strong, feminist woman ahead of her time. This book is a five-star read, but be warned – there are some erotic scenes in the novel.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Best Books of 2019 / Jazz Age Novels / Art Novels / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Other Windsor Girl
Author: Georgie Blalock
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I knew a little about Princess Margaret from what I gleaned from
Why Kirsten loves it
She was most definitely a royal rebel. She’s still not my favorite royal but this historical fiction biography helped me understand her life, personality, and pressures. This book will give you a different perspective on being a royal.
Find this book in: Books Like The Crown / Books About Queen Elizabeth II / Books Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Books About the Royal Family / Biographical Fiction Novels
Old Hollywood Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Goddess of Warsaw
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The story opens in 2005 with legendary actress Lena Browning, telling her dark, daring past to an actress who wants to star in and direct a biopic about Lena. It then flashes forward to Lena’s time in the Warsaw Ghetto.
There, Bina Blonski as she was known at the time, narrates a story of persistence and sacrifice within the Ghetto walls. Torn between two brothers and with a survival instinct, Bina uses her Arayan looks and skills as an actress to work for the resistance.
Eventually, the story returns to 2005 and post-war Hollywood where we learn how Bina became Lena and how Lena has always continued the fight against those who seek her annihilation.
Trigger Warnings
War, death
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the best story I’ve ever read about the Holocaust because it depicts Jewish people, particularly women, as fierce fighters determined to prove their right to exist. I was inspired and awed by both the writing and the characters.
I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and was on the edge of my seat throughout. The tension was so high at times I found myself fidgeting, walking around, and wringing my hands. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. It’s an absolute must-read. #Gifted
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this story takes place in multiple time periods. Lena is a great character and I loved reading her story. I called Kirsten yelling and needing to know the ending- which she would not spoil for me. At the end of the book, I was yelling with joy.
Find this book in: Books about the Holocaust / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024 /Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books/ Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Hollywood Novels
Did You Hear About Kitty Karr?
Author: Crystal Smith Paul
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: May 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Upon her death, White silver screen star, Kitty Karr, leaves her entire estate to three young Black women. It results in a lot of questions, which Elise St. John, one of the recipients intends to find the answers to.
As Elise digs into Kitty’s past, she uncovers truths that could unravel Kitty’s legacy, Elise’s career, and the entire Sr. John family.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved this story about Kitty’s past. It starts with how she had to leave her family behind to pass as white, covers her career, and explores the choices she made to keep her secret. It was both thought-provoking and entertaining, making it a perfect pick for ultimate beach reads and also for book clubs.
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Books Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Hollywood Novels / Reese Witherspoon 2023
The Great Pretenders
Author: Laura Kalpakian
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
What a ride!!! I was expecting a light-hearted story about the glamorous world of 1950s Hollywood with Cary Grant, Ginger and Fred, Rock Hudson, and the like. I got them, but this old Hollywood book had meat on its bones. Roxanne is a granddaughter of a movie studio head but she decides to strike out on her own as a Hollywood agent. Upset with her grandfather’s callous treatment of his loyal writers with former communist ties, she begins representing blacklisted writers under pseudonyms.
As if this plotline wasn’t compelling enough, she then begins a deep, meaningful romance with a young black journalist covering the emerging civil rights movement. The author brought to light so many issues of the time in such a thoughtful way.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I had never considered how the shifting politics of the time would affect the film industry. The glamour of Hollywood was present and the book was overflowing with old movie references, but it was the love and personal growth at the heart of this story that I found most compelling.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this for my real-life book club and I loved it. So did everyone else! Check out our Old Hollywood book club to see pictures from the night!
Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Books Like the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Best Books of 2019
The Girl in White Gloves
Author: Kerri Maher
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The storyline is split between Grace’s rise to Hollywood stardom and her future as a settled princess. Kerri Maher brought Grace Kelly to life in this biographical fiction book about her life. I had no idea about her home life struggles, her many romances, or the state of her marriage to Rainer.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored this royal read about Grace Kelly and had trouble putting it down. The writing was so captivating that I found myself sneaking pages on my Kindle all over town.Â
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Books Like Evelyn Hugo / Books with a color in the Title / Books Like the Crown / Old Hollywood Books
Historical Fiction Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
The Spectacular
Author: Fiona Davis
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book is set in New York City in 1956 when Marion Brooks decided to audition to become a Radio City Rockette. When tragedy strikes Radio City Music Hall, the city still in turmoil over the inability to catch the “Big Apple Bomber.”
Soon, Marion finds herself helping the police with the search along with Peter Griggs, a young doctor who wants to use profiling to catch the criminal.
Trigger Warnings
Bombing
Why Kirsten loves it
I fell hard for this story, another example of a Fiona Davis book capturing my attention and holding it until the end. Fiona Davis creates the best characters and weaves a historical fiction tale that feels like it could be true. I learned so much about the Rockettes and now I’m dying to see them perform.
Find this book in: Books Like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Best Historical Fiction Books / Books Set in New York
Malibu Rising
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: June 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick,
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Nina Riva is having her annual summer party which is famous for its epic scale and exclusivity. But this year, the party will end with devastation. Nina and her siblings are famous children of one of the biggest rock stars of all time and they each have their secrets. Perfect for a list of books about music, right?
Why Kirsten loves it
I have loved the last two books by Taylor Jenkins Reid so much that I often recommend them to friends for their universal appeal. I had high hopes for this family saga but it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
Why Jackie loves it
I enjoyed the book but I felt that it was a little drawn out at times. Still, I loved Nina’s character and her ability to surf puts her on our list of books about women in sports!
Adaptation Information
The same team that adapted Little Fires Everywhere is set to adapt this book to TV for Hulu. Liz Tigelaar will produce it and Amy Talkington will be the writer.
Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies and TV Series / Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked / Books like Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo / Novels About Music / Family Sagas / Hollywood Novels / Books About Women in Sports / Books About Sports
Plot
Jo Piazza has written the PERFECT summer novel, striking a delicious balance between being relaxing enough to enjoy on the beach but thought-provoking enough to discuss with your book club.
I was swept into the story of Sara and her quest to learn about her unexpected inheritance and the possible murder of her great-grandmother, Serafina. To solve the mystery and claim her inheritance, she must travel to the Italian countryside – giving her a break from her recently closed restaurant and her failed marriage.
The dual-timeline narrative focuses on Sara’s quest and Serafina’s life as a woman coming into her own in the 1900s. The stakes are high for both women as they balance staying true to their dreams in the face of society’s oppression of women, especially when it turns dangerous.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could go on and on about this one. The vivid imagery that Jo paints with her writing had me picturing the town, tasting the food, and smelling the Sicilian soil. I SWEAR, at one point I touched my chin to see if the oil from the meal she was writing about was dripping down my face.
It’s a multi-genre, multigenerational masterpiece of a beach read. #gifted by Dutton Books
Why Jackie loves it
I could not put this book down. The characters and the plot compelled me to keep reading, the descriptions of the people and the places made me feel like I was actually there. The fact that some of this is based in a true story is just a cherry on top of this sundae!
Find this book in: Beach Read 2024 / Books Set in Italy / Family Drama / Best Historical Fiction of 2024 / Best Mystery Books 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Plot
The Bushes are modern-day American royalty. This story, while heavily fictionalized, is based on the life of Laura Bush. It covers her young life, meeting her husband and his illustrious family, and also his presidency.
I didn’t know much about the Bush dynasty prior to reading this and while I realize it is political fiction, it gave me some good insight into the political world of America.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is such an interesting and well-written book. It gave me such insight into a different world.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Women in Politics / Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Expert Tip
- If you are having trouble picking which book to read on this list, choose one under the category you liked most about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
- Still too many choices? Look at the reviews of the books. Jackie and I have read every book on this list to help you pick a book that speaks to you
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I read next if I liked The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
It depends on if you want a contemporary fiction ( Try Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry) or historical fiction (Did You Hear About Kitty Karr by Crystal Paul Smith)…or maybe you want another Taylor Jenkins Reid. In that case, read Daisy Jones & The Six)
Is Netflix making The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
Yes! While a release date hasn’t been set, Maggie Betts has signed on to direct. Liz Tigelaar has written the script, but the project is still in the early days.
Related Content
Epilogue
While these are wide-ranging in subject matter, each of these stories was reminiscent of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in some way. Have you read any of them?
How to Host a Glamorous Old Hollywood Book Club
If you love this list of books like Evelyn Hugo, check out the guide to creating the perfect book club.
Just the main book for this email – The 7 husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I loved it.