5 Books To Add To Your TBR If You Love Hallmark's When Calls The Heart

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Hallmark has been the go-to comfort channel of many Americans for decades. You can always rest assured that the network will have some low-angst, feel-good romances or cozy family dramas to warm your heart. And if you're a longtime fan of the network, you'll know that "When Calls the Heart," which is actually one of the Hallmark TV shows based on a book originally written by Janette Oke, is the longest-running series on the network. 

The show just closed out its 13th season in March 2026, and the heartfelt stories and charming characters have managed to draw millions back to Hope Valley season after season. The signature blend of cozy frontier aesthetics, high society drama, rugged town dynamics, and a sweet and slow-burn romance has dominated the cozy period drama space.

As you patiently wait for the show's 14th season, which is set to air in 2027, you can pass the time by diving into a cozy book that transports you to a world that feels like Hope Valley. Of course, you can read the book the series is based on, but there are plenty of other cozy, charming frontier options. These picks capture the same blend of small-town warmth, high-society heroines, and the tender, slow-building courtships that punctuate Hope Valley.

If your favorite part of "When Calls the Heart" is watching a refined city woman adapt to the rugged charm of a small frontier town, Francine Rivers' "The Lady's Mine" needs to be added to your TBR. Readers often cite this novel as one that leaves a lasting impression on your heart long after finishing the book. 

When Boston socialite Kathryn Walsh is exiled to the wild boomtown of Calvada by her stepfather, the last thing she expects to find is a newfound purpose, or even a new love that matches her fierce spirit. Kathryn thought she would simply collect an inheritance and return to Boston, but instead brings total Elizabeth Thatcher energy to the frontier by standing up to corrupt leaders and fighting for local working families.

This novel has quietly built a deeply loyal, niche fanbase of readers who adore high-spirited period dramas. Readers describe the book as a perfect story that confronts serious issues, but still leaves you feeling deeply comforted and entirely hopeful. Hannah Linder, author of "Beneath His Silence," rated the book five stars, noting, "Very gritty and rich with historical detail! Kept me captivated." 

If you love "When Calls the Heart" but want a story with a little more emotional weight and frontier grit, "Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold" by Ellen O'Connell is the perfect option. This book explores the hardships and beauty of an unexpected frontier marriage.

When outcasts Anne Wells and Cord Bennett are thrown together in a cruel twist of fate, they're forced to build a life on the outskirts of an unforgiving town. Pushed into a reluctant marriage of convenience on an isolated ranch, these lost souls must learn to navigate the harsh realities of the frontier together. Life is anything but easy, and they face constant outside hostility, but that just may be what brings them close and creates an unbreakable bond.

A Goodreads user admitted they had already gone through their fifth re-read of the book and praised the book and author for completely taking them by surprise. They were more than impressed that the author crafted such a profound and emotional payoff without relying on any flashy tropes. Another 5-star reader appreciated how much effort the author put into portraying the harsh realities of the era, as she touched on heavy themes like racism, classism, and the historical subjugation of women and Native Americans. This story doesn't shy away from the dirt, dust, and heartbreak of the Old West, yet still manages to deliver a tender romance that readers are sure to treasure.

Longtime readers of Women won't be surprised that "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes made its way into this roundup. This book has made multiple lists, like the most heartbreaking reads from Reese's Book Club and books that will leave you sobbing, and while there's no doubt Moyes' story will have you in tears, it's also an uplifting tale of female empowerment. It's the very element that makes it perfect for this list.

Much like Elizabeth Thatcher's journey into Hope Valley, this sweeping historical fiction follows a stifled Englishwoman, Alice Wright, who trades the lavish life she knew for the raw beauty and small-town politics of Depression-era Kentucky. She finds a true sense of purpose by joining a brave group of women looking to bring positive change to isolated mountain families through the gift of books.

Many readers found the friendships between the women to be the beating heart of the story. A 5-star Goodreads reviewer wrote, "I loved how the friendships develop among these women who come to know each other, care about and support each other ... I was moved by the impact that the books had, but also the impact that these women make." The story delivers those classic tear-jerking moments Jojo Moyes is known for, but also leaves you soaring in the wake of its celebration of resilience, community, and warmth.

Deeanne Gist's "A Bride Most Begrudging" is about a high-spirited, independent heroine forced to adapt to a world unknown to her. Sound familiar? It should to any devoted "When Calls the Heart" fans. Just like Elizabeth Thatcher had to adjust to life in Hope Valley, Gist's story is centered on a headstrong, polished heroine who's thrust into a rugged, unfamiliar world.

English noblewoman, mistakenly kidnapped, and shipped across the Atlantic as a tobacco bride — that alone should be enough to grab your attention. However, it's the sheer resilience and quick wit of heroine Lady Constance Morrow that makes this book hard to put down. Gone are her days of fine silks and niceties, and instead she must embrace the dust, sweat, and grueling labor of 17th-century Jamestown.

This is the book to read if you prioritize banter and strong chemistry in your historical romances and period pieces. A Goodreads reviewer rated the book four stars, saying, "This book captured my attention from the first few pages ... I thought that Constance was a very colorful, likable character and I especially enjoyed her and Drew's constant banter." Through witty verbal sparring, Gist does an excellent job balancing out humor, rich historical accuracy, and an irresistible enemies-to-lovers storyline.

Last on this list is "Short-Straw Bride" by Karen Witemeyer. This book is far from dramatic and heavy-handed, but it's a great work of historical fiction that's both lighthearted and cozy. It's the perfect comfort read for "When Calls the Heart" fans who love playful banter, stubborn heroines, and the sweetest frontier romance.

Meredith Hayes has been in love with Travis Archer ever since he saved her life years ago. So, she tries to save his life in return by warning him of a dangerous plot, only to end up trapped in a scandal that forces them to get married. While it sounds like her own personal dream come true, winning over her standoffish new husband turns out to be a hilarious battle of tug-of-war.

Readers, please don't go into this book thinking you're going to get an epic saga. This is an easy comfort read full of heartwarming moments that will have you grinning from ear to ear. An Amazon reviewer gave the book four stars, saying, "['Short-Straw Bride'] was a really enjoyable book to read. It was funny, lighthearted, and kept my attention throughout. I could not put it down once I started. This is a perfect summer read. I laughed out loud as I was reading Short Straw Bride. I would not recommend reading this book in public." This is the book to grab when you need a low-angst escape.

With how many books Janette Oke wrote, this list could have easily been composed solely of her own work, but that would be no fun. We wanted to ensure "When Calls the Heart" viewers and readers got a well-rounded mix of frontier tales from different voices. Oke is best known for drama and heartfelt emotion, so we focused on other authors who excel at delivering similar themes, but also wanted to highlight stories that bring a lighter, more playful touch to the frontier backdrop.

For this list, we prioritized variety and fresh perspectives, avoiding storylines that required too much of an emotional investment or those that felt too heavy-handed. We believe a good TBR has variety! If a couple of books have you weeping, there need to be a few to balance that out. So, whether you're craving banter you can giggle at, intense enemies-to-lovers tension, or just simple, period drama charm, there's something for all fans of the popular Hallmark series.

As always, after we gathered a heap of strong candidates for the list, we vetted reviews of each book on Amazon, Goodreads, and Reddit. While the titles didn't need to be 5-star bestsellers, it was important that each book earned praise for compelling characters, clever plots, and romances written so well they made readers want to fall in love.