100 books like Maid of Dishonor

By Gracie Ruth Mitchell,

Here are 100 books that Maid of Dishonor fans have personally recommended if you like Maid of Dishonor. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of So That Happened: A Romantic Comedy

Sara Jane Woodley Author Of The Next Worst Thing: A Sweet, Small Town Romantic Comedy

From my list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started writing sweet romance during the COVID pandemic. At the time, it was the perfect antidote to all of the heaviness, grief, and sadness that everyone was experiencing around the world. When I began publishing my stories, and eventually moved into the sweet romcom genre, I was beyond happy to learn that my books were bringing smiles to peoples’ faces during these challenging times. I’ve always loved romcom movies, and discovering romcom books–not to mention beginning to write these stories myself–opened an entirely new world of possibilities. I pretty much only read romcoms now, and I hope you enjoy the books I’ve recommended here as much as I have!

Sara's book list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs

Sara Jane Woodley Why did Sara love this book?

This book sucked me in from the start, as do all of Katie Bailey’s books.

Liam and Annie are such an opposites attract couple, with the perfect amount of grumpy/sunshine chemistry… not to mention the exciting boss/employee trope. This story actually inspired the second book in my own romcom series, which ended up featuring the grumpy/sunshine trope.

Katie does an amazing job weaving heavier subjects with humor, and it put such a positive spin on my day whenever I picked it up. I love reading low spice romcom or chick lit stories with a heart, and this checked all those boxes for me!

By Katie Bailey,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked So That Happened as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I spent the night with a hot, grumpy stranger in an airport hotel.

No, not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter. It was just sleeping. And… maybe a little cuddling.

Long story short, I embarrassed the heck out of myself. But at least I never have to see him again.

Except the universe is clearly out to get me, because Monday morning, I arrive at my new job and who’s the first person I see?

Hot stranger himself: Liam Donovan.

AKA my new boss.

AKA Annie, you are so freaking screwed.

While the HR rulebook doesn’t explicitly…


Book cover of My Own Best Enemy

Sara Jane Woodley Author Of The Next Worst Thing: A Sweet, Small Town Romantic Comedy

From my list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started writing sweet romance during the COVID pandemic. At the time, it was the perfect antidote to all of the heaviness, grief, and sadness that everyone was experiencing around the world. When I began publishing my stories, and eventually moved into the sweet romcom genre, I was beyond happy to learn that my books were bringing smiles to peoples’ faces during these challenging times. I’ve always loved romcom movies, and discovering romcom books–not to mention beginning to write these stories myself–opened an entirely new world of possibilities. I pretty much only read romcoms now, and I hope you enjoy the books I’ve recommended here as much as I have!

Sara's book list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs

Sara Jane Woodley Why did Sara love this book?

Where to start with this one. This is one of the first romcoms I read, and is one of the reasons I decided to move into writing romcoms.

The Apple Valley love stories are all such a joy to read, but I am a sucker for Emy and Nash’s story. To be fair, I do love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, and this one totally delivered.

From the super relatable female character, to the funny mishaps with her “nemesis” that had me laughing out loud, to the sweet ending, this light-hearted read is sure to put a smile on your face. I also loved how the wedding between Emy and Nash’s friends kind of drove the story, and this actually inspired the wedding in the first book in my series.

By Julie Christianson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My Own Best Enemy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Compared

Sara Jane Woodley Author Of The Next Worst Thing: A Sweet, Small Town Romantic Comedy

From my list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started writing sweet romance during the COVID pandemic. At the time, it was the perfect antidote to all of the heaviness, grief, and sadness that everyone was experiencing around the world. When I began publishing my stories, and eventually moved into the sweet romcom genre, I was beyond happy to learn that my books were bringing smiles to peoples’ faces during these challenging times. I’ve always loved romcom movies, and discovering romcom books–not to mention beginning to write these stories myself–opened an entirely new world of possibilities. I pretty much only read romcoms now, and I hope you enjoy the books I’ve recommended here as much as I have!

Sara's book list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs

Sara Jane Woodley Why did Sara love this book?

I’m always excited when a new Kortney Keisel book comes out.

Compared is the first in her closed-door romcom series, and it’s a brilliant debut. This book follows Meg and Tyler in a single dad, teacher/parent romance that is completely swoon-worthy and hilarious.

Kortney does a fantastic job dealing with some harder subjects while keeping the material light-hearted and fun. I always turn back to this book if I want to read something deep and meaningful, but woven with funny scenes and banter.

I also love this book for the close connection between Meg’s siblings and dad. They’re exactly what a family should be.

By Kortney Keisel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Compared as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Eloise and the Grump Next Door

Sara Jane Woodley Author Of The Next Worst Thing: A Sweet, Small Town Romantic Comedy

From my list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs.

Why am I passionate about this?

I started writing sweet romance during the COVID pandemic. At the time, it was the perfect antidote to all of the heaviness, grief, and sadness that everyone was experiencing around the world. When I began publishing my stories, and eventually moved into the sweet romcom genre, I was beyond happy to learn that my books were bringing smiles to peoples’ faces during these challenging times. I’ve always loved romcom movies, and discovering romcom books–not to mention beginning to write these stories myself–opened an entirely new world of possibilities. I pretty much only read romcoms now, and I hope you enjoy the books I’ve recommended here as much as I have!

Sara's book list on reads for a bad day with guaranteed laughs

Sara Jane Woodley Why did Sara love this book?

I love both of these authors so much, and so I was thrilled when I discovered that they’re co-writing a romcom series together.

This was such a fun, light-hearted read with a grumpy/sunshine twist that was full of laughs and tension. The small-town island setting is also so perfect for the story; I only wish I could visit!

I’ve always loved small-town love stories for the hilarious side characters, the meaningful sense of community, and the whole “everyone knows everything about everyone” that can be such a drive to the story. 

Book cover of The Housemaid's Secret

Jeff Berney Author Of The Fall of Faith

From my list on feed your dark side.

Why am I passionate about this?

Even as a boy, I could see (or maybe just sense) the darkness that resides just below the surface of this otherwise pleasant world. We all have stories, and the ones we hold closest to ourselves are often the darkest. Those are the stories that fascinate me the most. What are the limits of man’s menace? What causes seemingly normal people to snap? To turn on their fellow man? I could do one of two things with this fascination: become a sociopath (perhaps psychopath) or an author of dark, twisted, twisty tales. As you know, I chose the latter. 

Jeff's book list on feed your dark side

Jeff Berney Why did Jeff love this book?

This is not only an amazing stand-alone psychological thriller, but it’s also the first in a series. I love every single novel in McFadden’s Housemaid series. Her books are twisty. They're dark. And they offer insights into an imperfect heroine. You may think you know what’s going to happen, especially after the first book, but trust me, you don’t.

Our housemaid heroine is struggling to turn her life around, so she takes a job as a live-in maid. Right away, the isolated mansion where she lives and works becomes a character study of the differences between the haves and have-nots. I appreciate that the mega-rich couple she works for doesn’t have a perfect life. McFadden writes realistic, flawed characters that will get under your skin. 

By Freida McFadden,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Housemaid's Secret as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

WINNER OF THE GOODREADS AWARD FOR BEST CRIME AND THRILLER 2023

As he continues showing me their incredible penthouse apartment, I have a terrible feeling about the woman behind closed doors. But I can't risk losing this job - not if I want to keep my darkest secret safe . . .

It's hard to find an employer who doesn't ask too many questions about my past. So I thank my lucky stars that the Garricks miraculously give me a job, cleaning their stunning penthouse with views across the city and preparing fancy meals in their shiny kitchen. I can…


Book cover of Below Stairs: The Classic Kitchen Maid's Memoir That Inspired "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Downton Abbey"

Alexandra Kulick Author Of A Roosevelt Smile

From my list on the Gilded World of the Roosevelts.

Why am I passionate about this?

Ever since I was a child, the rumors surrounding my grandfather’s mysterious birth and upbringing have fascinated me! Left at a police station on Christmas Eve, 1923, he grew up in a New York orphanage. When he was of age, the nuns handed him a large sum of money and told him his father was FDR and his mother was a servant of the Roosevelt’s. Was it true? Was it fiction? My family has spent collective decades combing through papers in search of answers. I finally decided to take the pieces of the story we knew and knit them together with fiction to create my first novel, A Roosevelt Smile.

Alexandra's book list on the Gilded World of the Roosevelts

Alexandra Kulick Why did Alexandra love this book?

Before I could write my book, I needed a more in-depth look at the world of domestic service in the early 20th century! Reading the memoirs of Margaret Powell provided a wonderful springboard for me to connect my great-grandmother/protagonist world!

Born in 1907, Margaret started work at age 13. She details the ups and downs of an Edwardian kitchen maid. From servants randomly giving birth in the closet to masters with strange obsessions, this story brings a firsthand perspective into the "downstairs world" life of domestic service.

By Margaret Powell,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Below Stairs as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Arriving at the great houses of 1920s London, fifteen-year-old Margaret's life in service was about to begin...

As a kitchen maid - the lowest of the low - she entered an entirely new world; one of stoves to be blacked, vegetables to be scrubbed, mistresses to be appeased, and even bootlaces to be ironed. Work started at 5.30am and went on until after dark. It was a far cry from her childhood on the beaches of Hove, where money and food were scarce, but warmth and laughter never were.

Yet from the gentleman with a penchant for stroking the housemaids'…


Book cover of Color and Light in Nature

Harold Davis Author Of Creative Black and White: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques

From my list on becoming a more skilled creative photographer.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an artist, photographer, author, and workshop leader, my goal is to help others become more skilled with photographic techniques and more creative with their photographic and artistic practice. I like to tell workshop participants that to take better photographs, one should stand in front of more interesting things. But to become a really better photographer one needs to become a more interesting person. The books in the list have helped me grow as a person and photographer, and I hope they also enhance your technique and your passion as a photographer.

Harold's book list on becoming a more skilled creative photographer

Harold Davis Why did Harold love this book?

Photographers know that as a matter of physics you cannot actually photograph an object; you can only photograph the light reflected or emitted by the object. This being the case, to photograph landscapes and nature it is vitally important to understand the principles that I apply.

I love that this book explains carefully how rainbows and shadows work, and most importantly how one can take advantage of the principles of applied physics to improve one’s ability to capture spectacular images that rely on natural phenomena. 

By David K. Lynch, William Livingston,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Color and Light in Nature as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

We live in a world of optical marvels - from the commonplace but beautiful rainbow, to the rare and eerie superior mirage. But how many of us really understand how a rainbow is formed, why the setting sun is red and flattened, or even why the sky at night is not absolutely black? This beautiful and informative guide provides clear explanations to all naturally occurring optical phenomena seen with the naked eye, including shadows, halos, water optics, mirages and a host of other spectacles. Separating myth from reality, it outlines the basic principles involved, and supports them with many figures…


Book cover of A Ray of Light

Chris Barton Author Of Glitter Everywhere!: Where it Came From, Where It's Found & Where It's Going

From my list on for glitter-loving kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve written nonfiction books for children on topics ranging from daylight fluorescence to Reconstruction, from The Nutcracker to the invention of the Super Soaker. What all those topics have in common is that I didn’t know much about them when I got started. That’s definitely true for my book Glitter Everywhere! While getting familiar with more than 150 sources of information, I learned a lot about glitter. But there’s always more to know, and that also goes for the readers of my books. While mine may be the first books that someone reads about the topics I’ve explored, there’s no better feeling than knowing my books won’t be the last.

Chris' book list on for glitter-loving kids

Chris Barton Why did Chris love this book?

The main thing that people know about glitter is that it sparkles and shines in the light, and the main thing to know about that sparkle and shine is that they’re caused by the phenomenon of iridescence.

Walter Wick’s beautiful photography and brief, engaging text provide young readers with detailed explanations and examples of iridescence as well as many other aspects of color and light. This book was crucial to my figuring out how to convey the concept of iridescence in my nonfiction picture book about glitter.

By Walter Wick,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Ray of Light as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

A photographic exploration into the beauty and magic of light from the creator of the bestselling A Drop of Water and the Can You See What I See? series.

The wonder of light has fascinated readers for ages. Walter Wick's mesmerizing photographs paired with simple yet fascinating text and scientific observations help readers understand the secrets and complexity of light. You will learn what light is made of and how it fits alongside everything else in the world. Walter introduces readers into the mystery behind incandescence, light waves, the color spectrum, and iridescence as well as how we perceive light…


Book cover of You Are Light

Jackie Huang Author Of Picky Panda (With Fun Flaps to Lift)

From my list on interactive picture books for kids.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m an artist with an analytical mind. I love art and stories but I also love systems and processes. Ever since taking a class at art school about making pop-ups, I’ve been in love with paper engineering. It’s been the perfect synthesis of all my loves. There’s something fascinating about transforming an everyday object (paper) into something unexpected. Combined that with a great story and you have a magical experience! I like focusing my work on books for young readers (board books - picture books) because it gives adults and kids an opportunity to interact with each other and build memories.

Jackie's book list on interactive picture books for kids

Jackie Huang Why did Jackie love this book?

I first learned about Aaron Becker’s work at an SCBWI conference during his breakout session where he was discussing the development of his book, Journey.

I was surprised to see a board board by him but was intrigued by the die cuts and rainbow color wheel. Upon opening the book, seemed to be departure from his other work, but it was just as beautiful and brilliant. It was inspiring to see his range.

I found this book to be perfect for my kid as babies and young toddlers. It’s short, simple, and really captures their attention when light is coming through the transparent colored circles. And it’s cool to see and talk about how mixing primary colors create all the other colors.

By Aaron Becker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked You Are Light as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

With a wondrously simple die-cut book, the Caldecott Honor–winning creator of the Journey trilogy brings his talents further into the light.

This is the light that brings the day.

Open this beautiful book to find a graphic yellow sun surrounded by a halo of bright die-cut circles. Now hold the page up to the light and enjoy the transformation as the colors in those circles glow. In an elegant, sparely narrated ode to the phenomenon of light, Aaron Becker follows as light reflects off the earth to warm our faces, draws up the sea to make the rain, feeds all…


Book cover of Ultraviolet Light and Fluorescent Minerals: Understanding, Collecting and Displaying Fluorescent Minerals

Stuart Schneider Author Of Collecting Fluorescent Minerals

From my list on collecting fluorescent minerals.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was introduced to Fluorescent Mineral collecting by my son. I started going to shows, joining mineral groups, and reading everything I could on fluorescent minerals. Realizing that there were no books with lots of photographs on the subject, and having written quite a few heavily illustrated books of collecting subjects, I decided to to a book that would appeal to new and old mineral collectors. The book was a success and lead to the publishing of a second book. Lots of fluorescent mineral experts helped by reviewing the text and photos for accuracy, and my publisher was pleased with the success of the books. Schiffer Books started an entirely new avenue of books on Minerals that it now publishes.

Stuart's book list on collecting fluorescent minerals

Stuart Schneider Why did Stuart love this book?

Ultraviolet Light and Fluorescent Minerals is also a pretty good read. It is a good general overview of the subject and nicely covers the field of fluorescent activators. It doesn't have many color photographs. It was written by 4 experts in the field including the late, great Thomas Warren (he passed away in 2001) who invented the portable SW mineral lamp. Another one of my favorite guys is Earl Verbeek. He is friendly and knows his rocks. He is the curator of the Sterling Hill Mining Museum. That is the complete list of books on Fluorescent minerals, not including my two books.

By Thomas S. Warren, Sterling Gleason, Richard C. Bostwick , Earl R. Verbeek

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ultraviolet Light and Fluorescent Minerals as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This book takes a broad look at the hobby of mineral fluorescence. It offers discussions of the major fluorescent minerals and mineral groups, techniques for collection them either on field trips or through trade and purchase, and the many ways fluorescent minerals can be displayed and enjoyed in the home. Fluorescent minerals present a puzzle. Many are of quite ordinary appearance in daylight, but when placed under the invisible rays of an ultraviolet lamp in a darkened room, they suddenly glow in beautiful colors. The transformation is so marked and so mysteriously compelling that many people instantly wish to learn…


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