20 Enchanting Books Like “Outlander” For Time-Travel Romance Fans
“Outlander,” by Diana Gabaldon, sweeps readers into a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction, romance, adventure, and time travel. Following the story of Claire Randall, a nurse from the 1940s who is transported back to Scotland in 1743, “Outlander” captures hearts with its rich historical detail, compelling characters, and the passionate love story between Claire and Jamie Fraser.
If you’ve been captivated by the magic of “Outlander” and are thirsty for more stories where the past and present collide amidst tales of fervent romance and daring escapades, you’ve come to the perfect place. Embark on a new journey with this carefully curated list of 20 books that promise to enchant Outlander fans with time-crossed love and historical adventures.
Top 20 best books to read if you liked “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon
1. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger
This novel explores the love story between Clare and Henry, who suffers from a genetic disorder that sends him hurtling through time.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- A heart-wrenching romance complicated by time travel.
- Deeply developed characters facing extraordinary circumstances.
- The exploration of love’s endurance through the trials of time.
2. “A Knight in Shining Armor” by Jude Deveraux
Dougless Montgomery’s cries in an English church bring a knight from the 16th century to the present, sparking an unforgettable romance.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Time travel bringing lovers from different eras together.
- A mix of historical detail and romance.
- A strong, independent heroine discovering love across time.
3. “The Rose Garden” by Susanna Kearsley
Eva Ward returns to Cornwall and finds herself slipping back to the 18th century, where danger and love await her.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Time slip narrative offering historical and romantic intrigue.
- A compelling love story set against a rich historical backdrop.
- Themes of loss, redemption, and the power of love across time.
4. “Into the Wilderness” by Sara Donati
In late 18th century New York, Elizabeth Middleton meets Nathaniel Bonner, beginning a saga filled with love and adventure.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Strong, educated female protagonist in a historical setting.
- A romance that defies the boundaries of time and culture.
- Vivid descriptions of life and survival in the past.
5. “The Winter Sea” by Susanna Kearsley
An author discovers her novel’s inspiration may stem from genetic memory, transporting her to 1708 Scotland.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Mixing historical events with a touch of the supernatural.
- A dual-timeline narrative connecting past and present.
- Romance entwined with historical intrigue.
6. “Mariana” by Susanna Kearsley
Julia Beckett is drawn to a house she’s seen since childhood, only to find herself living a past life as Mariana.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Time slip romance with a strong, relatable female protagonist.
- A richly woven historical narrative within a contemporary story.
- Themes exploring destiny and true love across different lifetimes.
7. “The Shadowy Horses” by Susanna Kearsley
An archaeologist in a Scottish border town uncovers a Roman mystery and a ghostly presence, alongside unexpected romance.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- A blend of historical mystery, archaeology, and romance.
- A Scottish setting rich with history and lore.
- Supernatural elements linking the present to the past.
8. “River of Time” Series by Lisa Tawn Bergren
Gabi and Lia are two sisters who find themselves transported to 14th century Italy, embarking on adventures and romance.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Young women navigating love and survival in a historical setting.
- Time travel that challenges the characters’ perceptions of love and family.
- Rich historical detail immersing readers in a past world.
9. “The Night Mark” by Tiffany Reisz
Faye Barlow discovers her new life is strangely connected to a lighthouse keeper from the 1920s.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- A love story transcending time and space.
- A woman rebuilding her life through time-travel discovery.
- Hauntingly beautiful settings serving as a backdrop for romance.
10. “Out of the Blue” by Sophie Cameron
After angels start falling from the sky, Jaya becomes embroiled in a mystery that spans time and challenges her beliefs.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- A fantastic element bringing strangers together in unexpected ways.
- Themes of healing and discovery after loss.
- A unique blend of the fantastical with the personal journey.
11. “Daughter of the Forest” by Juliet Marillier
Set in ancient Ireland, a young woman must complete a seemingly impossible task to save her brothers from a curse.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Historical setting with elements of folklore and magic.
- A strong, determined heroine facing overwhelming odds.
- A love story that is both tender and powerful.
12. “Time’s Convert” by Deborah Harkness
In this tale, a vampire and a witch confront the challenges of immortality and time-travel, intertwined with historical events.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Mixing historical fiction with elements of fantasy.
- Complex relationships set against the backdrop of time.
- Rich, detailed world-building that spans different eras.
13. “The Discovery of Witches” Series by Deborah Harkness
Diana Bishop, a historian and witch, uncovers a bewitched manuscript, thrusting her into a world of magic, time travel, and love.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- A magical narrative combining history and romance.
- Strong, scholarly protagonists discovering their destiny.
- Epic love stories that transcend time.
14. “Green Darkness” by Anya Seton
This novel layers past and present, exploring reincarnation and a love story set in Tudor England.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Dual timelines revealing connections between eras.
- A historical narrative enriched with romance and mystery.
- The theme of lovers finding each other through different lifetimes.
15. “Lady of the Glen” by Jennifer Roberson
A love story set against the backdrop of the Glencoe Massacre in Scotland, capturing the essence of historical and romantic drama.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- A Scottish historical setting that is crucial to the narrative.
- Star-crossed lovers overcoming societal and personal obstacles.
- Richly detailed historical events providing the backdrop for romance.
16. “The Lost Queen” by Signe Pike
This novel reimagines the life of Languoreth, a forgotten Scottish queen, and her role in history during the age of Arthur.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Strong, historical female characters navigating love and duty.
- A setting in historical Scotland, full of myth and lore.
- The intertwining of historical events with personal drama and romance.
17. “The Outcasts of Time” by Ian Mortimer
Two brothers, facing death from the plague, choose to live each remaining day 99 years further in the future, encountering love and new ideals.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Time travel providing insights into history and humanity.
- The challenge of adapting love and relationships across eras.
- A unique historical perspective spanning centuries.
18. “The Perilous Gard” by Elizabeth Marie Pope
In 1558 England, Kate Sutton is exiled to a remote castle where she uncovers a world of Faerie and a mysterious stranger.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Historical fiction blending with folklore and fantasy.
- A strong female protagonist uncovering hidden worlds.
- Romantic elements that flourish in unexpected settings.
19. “Labyrinth” by Kate Mosse
Uncovering a secret stretching back to the Crusades, two women connected by time fight to preserve ancient knowledge and love.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- Dual timelines that weave history with mystery.
- Heroines facing great challenges and discovering their strength.
- A historical quest that unveils timeless human connections.
20. “Passage to Mohawk” by Maryline Fortier
In 18th century New France, a woman time travels, finding herself torn between two men, two cultures, and two centuries.
Elements in common with Outlander:
- A compelling mix of historical detail, culture, and time travel.
- A passionate, intricate romance set against the perils of the past.
- The personal growth of a woman bridging different worlds.
In conclusion, fans of “Outlander” longing for more tales of time-spanning love and historical intrigue will find much to love in these selections. Each book captures elements that made “Outlander” a beloved series—be it the allure of the past, the complexities of love that defies time, or the adventures that test the spirit.
So, prepare to be whisked away on new journeys that promise romance, history, and perhaps a touch of magic. Happy reading!
