5 Novels For Women Of All Ages
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev
Whenever someone asks me what my favorite book is, I usually reply “I don't know.”
After all, there are so many good ones out there! But if I were forced to narrow down the list, these five would definitely appear on there. They’re good for all seasons of life, with strong plots and memorable characters, and are sure to become some of your favorites.
01 | The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera
Miss Prudencia Prim's world changes the day she’s hired as a private librarian and goes to live in the charming, eccentric village of San Ireneo de Arnois. Her employer, a well read old-fashioned gentleman, challenges all her modern views, opinions, and beliefs, which causes them to clash and makes Miss Prim rethink her position on multiple issues.
Meanwhile, the local feminist society decides that Miss Prim needs a husband, something she recoils from. But as the residents soften her with tea, cake, and thoughtful conversation, her heart gradually turns towards the idea of romance and marriage.
02 | The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by MaryAnn Shaffer and Annie Barrows
This epistolary book follows the feisty but kindhearted Juliet Ashton, a writer on the hunt for a good novel idea. One day she receives a letter about a book from a man named Dawsey Adams, who lives in the Guernsey Islands.
Thus she begins a correspondence with him and many of his friends. All of them are recovering from WWII, which ended just months beforehand, and Juliet's Guernsey friends are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Elizabeth McKenna, a young women who was sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp.
As they await Elizabeth’s return, Juliet comes to care deeply for her new friends (especially one in particular) and struggles to find her place in the post-war era. A book full of vivid and unique characters, witty dialogue, and intrigue.
03 | Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge
Jessie Stone has dreamed of her wedding day for years, but all her attempts at finding Mr. Right have failed. When God shows up and asks her to allow Him to write her love story, she’s whisked on an adventure unlike anything she ever dreamed of. As God guides her towards Prince Charming she learns about His own love for her, what a “good guy” looks like, and why she shouldn’t settle for anything less. Great for both single and married women.
04 | Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley
Helen McGill is sick and tired of her brother devoting more attention to his writing than their farm. When a traveling bookseller arrives and offers to sell his bookstore wagon called Parnassus, she snatches it up and leaves the farm. The previous owner, Mr. Mifflin, accompanies her to show her the art of selling books and teaches her the gospel of good books. This novel is a delightful mix of adventures and the celebration of literature.
05 | The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
Four women from vastly different backgrounds and opposite personalities agree to rent a castle in Italy together for a month. Drawn by the description of “wisteria and sunshine” they each have their own reasons and expectations for the vacation. But the trip changes them in unexpected ways and what ends up happening is contrary from what they planned.
