10 Books Written by Women You Need to Read

We’re always ready to celebrate women here at STELLAR HQ but International Women’s Day is an extra reason to choose a book by a female author whether it’s to inspire, help you leave reality or grip you from start to finish.

There’s just something about a book written by a female author that hits differently, it’s quite possibly because they relate to their characters and in turn to their readers. From self help, to romance with a little spice and thrillers with a lot of murder it’s like there’s an answer to all the questions you have about living life from different perspectives.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our faves as well as some best sellers, award winners and some classics just to round out the bunch and give you the ultimate collection of books written by women. You’re sure to find a page-turner to satisfy your every character and plot twist need, these are the best place to start.

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by elena armas ♡ (@thebibliotheque)

The Spanish Love Deception is an enemies to lovers, fake dating contemporary romance by Spanish author Elena Armas. The book follows Catalina as she embarks on a journey of romantic discovery with the man she’s convinced she hates. What better way to torture herself than to invite him to her sister’s wedding back home in Spain. A three day trip, one bed and a rather convincing lie about love, what could possibly go wrong? Or right! It’s a slow-burn romance we all need in our lives.

The Lost Apothecary By Sarah Penner

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sarah Penner (@sarah_penner_author)

Delve into The Lost Apothecary, the debut novel by Sarah Penner for an incredible story about mystery, murder, trust and betrayal. Based in 18th century London hidden deep in its winding streets an apothecary that deals with a unique kind of customer exists, one looking for the means to kill.  Turning to present day London an unhappy woman finds some clues that may help solve the mysterious murders of oppressive male figures in London 200 years prior to the present day – who will survive? A little mystery to keep you guessing from page to page.

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by rupi kaur (@rupikaur_)

Milk and Honey is a collection of fiction and non-fiction poetry that is divided into four parts detailing feelings of loss, grief, healing and love. Each deals with a different pain and heals a different heartbreak you didn’t know was needed. It is truly a book filled with beauty and understanding, something everybody needs to read once in their life whether it’s a random page each week or from cover to cover. It will change your life for the better.

Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Misako Ito (@misakoindclasg)

An eye-opening mystery, Clark and Division is set in Chicago in 1944 and follows a young woman as she desperately searches for the truth surrounding her beloved older sister’s death depicting the horrific struggles as a Japanese American family as they are released from internment camps at Manzanar during World War Two following the attack on Pearl Harbour. It’s a must read for any history lover with an interest in unraveling a mystery step by step – truly a great read for any and all.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Emily Henry (@emilyhenrywrites)

A book full of characters made for you to fall in love with Book Lovers follows the story of Nora, a fierce main character who doesn’t apologise for her ambition. A successful literary agent, Nora loves her books particularly the romance kind, in her mind she knows exactly the kind of heroine she is but a month in the small town of Sunshine Falls with her sister concocting a plan for Nora’s life to turn into a small town romance novel, she gets nothing but Charlie Lastra a brooding, impatient, seemingly unloveable book editor.

It would certainly be an incredible meet-cute if they didn’t already hate each other, but opinions can change can’t they? A seriously witty book that will have you laughing, crying and swooning while you vicariously live your life through Emily Henry’s stunning characters.

The Mad Girls of New York by Maya Rodale

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maya Rodale (@mayarodale)

The Mad Girls of New York is an all revealing and incredibly poignant novel following the true story of the fearless New York World reporter Nellie Bly who will stop at nothing to prove her point – women belong on the front page. Based in 1887 New York when the world is run by men who think women are too emotional, respectable and delicate to do the job. Nellie’s ambition pushes her to accept the challenge set for her, one that could make or break not just her career but herself and her character too. A genuinely beautiful story about the power women actually had despite the pushback from men throughout the 19th century.

Whisper Network by Chandler Baker

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chandler Baker (@chandlerbakerbooks)

Whisper Network is a beach read full of thrilling suspense. It’s a page turner while also simultaneously diving into the #metoo movement. The story follows 4 women who have worked for a company for years and after the CEO dies, the girl’s boss must take over as CEO. Each woman  has a different relationship with the new CEO, a man who is constantly followed by whispers and gossip as to how he treats women, every accusation has been ignored and swept under the rug by the higher-ups.

With a promotion this size Ames the new CEO can’t afford to make a mistake because the 4 incredibly strong women won’t let another inappropriate advance slide, finally deciding enough is enough. A phenomenal read dripping in girl power mantras and girls supporting girls, it’s exactly what we need to read to realise we have the power to do anything and be anyone we want to be.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vaishnavi || books and writing (@vcreative_bookslove)

The Colour Purple is an American novel of utmost importance as it depicts Celie, an African American, as she grows up in the deep south state of rural Georgia between the wars. Celie, born into poverty and segregation deals with things no young woman should have to but which pushes the reality upon us the reader that this has happened as it is based on a true story, but that the 1982 novel is still relevant to today’s society too. Meeting Shug Avery, a magician changes Celie for the better as she sees a woman in front of her who takes charge of her life.

In the Shadow Garden by Liz Parker

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Liz Parker (@lizparkerwrites)

If you’re here for a bit of every genre you love from mystery to romance and drama and a little bit of witchy magic then this is the book for you. Liz Parker’s In The Shadow Garden follows three generations of witches as they navigate their lives in a small Kentucky town. They’re known for their shadow garden, a place where special fruit grows that can alter your worst memories on one particular day every year while the Haywood’s magic can cure all heartache – seems like we could all do with the Haywood’s in our lives!

The ultimate betrayal between two families causes a rift after a 20-year-old mistake comes back to haunt the town, untangling the web of Yarrow, Kentucky’s terrible secrets will lead to more heartbreak, treachery and power than any one of them could have ever imagined.

Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Green

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Emer McLysaght (@emerthescreamer)

We couldn’t put a list together of the books written by women without including these gals. Emer and Sarah created one of the greatest Irish stories when they penned the Aisling series. It ultimately follows a girl called Aisling as she navigates life as a 20 something year old in the big smoke.

They’re a  group of characters you will have no bother picturing someone in your life as, whether it’s the best friend Majella who loses everything in sight, the boyfriend John who’s a little stuck in his ways or Aisling herself who has the fear of god stuck in her head that she’s never going to do all the things a nearing 30-year-old should do -at least according to society.

After a trip to Tenerife and a sudden break up Aisling finds herself thrown into the deep end trying to figure out the life she wants and deserves over the one she thinks she’s supposed to have. A perfect example of a strong woman.

Tags:

• books
• International Women's Day
• IWD2023
• Women