100 books like The Nanny's Secret

By E.V. Seymour,

Here are 100 books that The Nanny's Secret fans have personally recommended if you like The Nanny's Secret. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Mary Poppins

Kathryn Leo Author Of Witch's Apprentice and Argon's Labyrinth

From my list on exploring the imagination.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by fantasy as a young adult reading Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Never Ending Story. I find fantasy interesting because it explores the imagination and lets us escape. I also enjoy fantasy movies such as Avatar. It's full of adventure and the film is full of special effects. I studied science when I left school but my heart was into writing.

Kathryn's book list on exploring the imagination

Kathryn Leo Why did Kathryn love this book?

Mary Poppins explores self-discovery and captures the imagination of the use of magic.

I love Mary Poppin because it’s the best feel-good story for children. I find the characters sweet and Mary Poppins is so energetic and with strong values. I found it inspiring to help me write my own book. I think it has inspired a few classics.

By P. L. Travers, Mary Shepard (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Mary Poppins as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

Discover the joy and wonder of Mary Poppins in the classic adventures!

The original best-loved classic about the world's most famous nanny - Mary Poppins.

When the Banks family advertise for a nanny, Mary Poppins and her talking umbrella appear out of the sky, ready to take the children on extraordinary adventures.

Mary Poppins is strict but fair, and soon Michael and Jane are whisked off to a funfair inside a pavement picture and on many more outings with their wonderful new nanny!

Needless to say, when at last 'the wind changes' and she flies away, the children are devastated.…


Book cover of The Perfect Nanny

Anna Motz Author Of If Love Could Kill: The Myths and Truths of Women Who Commit Violence

From my list on understanding the criminal mind.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a forensic and clinical psychologist and have worked years with violent criminals for over 30 years.  I am passionate about understanding how and why ordinary people end up doing extraordinary things and specialise in violent crimes by women. Some of the best descriptions of the inner lives of criminals are found in works of fiction, revealing how people think, feel and react. The novels I chose do this brilliantly, leading the reader into the mind of the characters, evoking compassion as well as shock and horror. The psychiatric memoirs describe the fascinating work of psychotherapy with criminal patients and unravel the mysteries of what draws people to violence, even murder. 

Anna's book list on understanding the criminal mind

Anna Motz Why did Anna love this book?

This novel focusses on the murder of two children by a nanny. Based on a true case, in NYC of a nanny who kills two young children, Slimani weaves themes of racial and social injustice into her story, told through the eyes of the narrator. Despite the horror of the crimes, readers will gain a understanding of how and why the nanny, Louise, ends up taking such extreme action. Though fictionalised, it offers an accurate psychological portrait of profound disturbance and the internal logic that drives fatal assaults.

By Leila Slimani, Sam Taylor (translator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Perfect Nanny as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

She has the keys to their apartment. She knows everything. She has embedded herself so deeply in their lives that it now seems impossible to remove her.

One of the 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR of The New York Times Book Review, by the author of Adele, Sex and Lies, and In the Country of Others

"A great novel . . . Incredibly engaging and disturbing . . . Slimani has us in her thrall." -Roxane Gay, New York Times bestselling author of Bad Feminist and Hunger

"One of the most important books of the year. You can't unread…


Book cover of That Kind of Mother

Hadley Leggett Author Of All They Ask Is Everything

From my list on explore what it means to be a mother.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a mom of three who's struggled to find a balance between parenting, career, and meeting my own needs, I'm intensely interested in the way our society views motherhood. There are so many different ways to become a mother and so many different opinions about what makes a “good mom.” On the one hand, our culture has incredibly high expectations and seems to judge women no matter what choices they make. At the same time, we don’t offer struggling moms basic supports like low-cost childcare, mental health benefits, or paid maternity leave. I love reading novels that recognize this paradox and take a generous view of the many definitions of motherhood.

Hadley's book list on explore what it means to be a mother

Hadley Leggett Why did Hadley love this book?

This book describes the intensity of new motherhood so accurately that I was surprised to realize it was written by a man! It brought back memories of the newborn days with my own three kids, when I was drowning in exhaustion, anxiety, and breastmilk but also felt overwhelmed with joy and love. 

When the main character decides to step in and adopt a second baby—the child of her nanny, who dies in childbirth—we get to see how mothering is both the same and different when your baby doesn’t share your genes or even your skin color. I loved how the book doesn’t give easy answers to the sticky questions around transracial adoption but instead leaves the reader pondering. I read this one years ago, and I’m still thinking about it!

By Rumaan Alam,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

NAMED A RECOMMENDED BOOK OF 2018 BY:
Buzzfeed • The Boston Globe •  The Millions • InStyle • Southern Living • Vogue • Popsugar • Kirkus • The Washington Post • Library Journal • Real Simple • NPR

“With his unerring eye for nuance and unsparing sense of irony, Rumaan Alam’s second novel is both heartfelt and thought-provoking.”
   — Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere

From the bestselling author of Leave the World Behind, a novel about the families we fight to build and those we fight to keep

Like many first-time mothers, Rebecca Stone finds herself both deeply…


Book cover of Love, Nina

Louisa Clarke Author Of The Work Smarter Guide to Presenting: An Insider's Guide to Making Your Presentations Perfect

From my list on boost confidence in giving presentations.

Why am I passionate about this?

Looking at this list, I think it reveals that I am fundamentally a nosy person. I love reading other people’s diaries and letters and getting the inside story of a person’s life. And I’m also fascinated by how people present themselves to the world. Giving presentations is one way to show ‘who you are,’ so perhaps it's not surprising that I now work with people to help them tell their stories, share their ideas, and be the best they can be in front of an audience. Many people say they ‘hate’ presenting, and my mission is to help them overcome that. 

Louisa's book list on boost confidence in giving presentations

Louisa Clarke Why did Louisa love this book?

I greatly admire people who are ‘themselves’ in every situation and whoever they are talking to. People who don’t tie themselves in knots thinking about what the ‘right’ thing to say is and who don’t pretend to be someone they are not. The author of this book of letters home to her sister is–I think–someone like that.

And that’s why this book is so amusing and a huge comfort read that I repeatedly turn to. It’s Nina, from Leicester, coming to live and work in London for the first time as a nanny to two boys. She doesn’t care about what she ‘should’ say; she just says what she sees and writes what she hears–to comical effect (unconsciously).

By Nina Stibbe,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Love, Nina as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

* * * WINNER OF THE 2014 NATIONAL BOOK AWARDS POPULAR NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR * * *

'I adored this book, and I could quote from it forever. It's real, odd, life-affirming, sharp, loving, and contains more than one reference to Arsenal FC' Nick Hornby,The Believer

'Adrian Mole meets Mary Poppins mashed up in literary north London . . . Enormous fun' Bookseller

'What a beady eye she has for domestic life, and how deliciously fresh and funny she is' Deborah Moggach, author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Nina Stibbe's Love, Nina: Despatches from Family Life is…


Book cover of Maybe This Time

Susan B. James Author Of Time and Forever

From my list on romances with seasoned heroines.

Why am I passionate about this?

My real name is Susan Berger and I'm a certified bookaholic. I'm also an actor and I love my work. Being older has been very lucky for me. I wrote children’s books as Susan J Berger. COVID closed my publisher and I'm not actively submitting at the moment. I write romance as Susan B James because I didn’t want my children to have to acknowledge that their mother knew anything about sex. Falling in love and living happily ever after is an ageless state. But in romance novels heroines are mostly under thirty. I happen to be chronologically gifted myself. And many of my favorite romances feature older heroines. I think we need more.

Susan's book list on romances with seasoned heroines

Susan B. James Why did Susan love this book?

Jennifer Crusie writes some of the funniest heroines I ever met. I adore her voice and I wanted to add her to my list. When I went to Jen’s blog ArghInk to ask her which of her heroines was over forty. She said Andie.

Andie’s ex-husband North wants one last favor from her as closure. Help him settle the two delinquent orphans he inherited from a distant relative. He knows Andie can handle anything.

Her new fiancée isn’t pleased. When Andie meets the two children she quickly realizes things are much worse than she feared. The place is a mess, the children, Carter and Alice, aren't your average delinquents, and the creepy old house where they live is being run by the worst housekeeper since Mrs. Danvers. What's worse, Andie's fiancé thinks this is all a plan by North to get Andie back, and he may be right.

I read…

By Jennifer Crusie,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Andie Miller is ready to move on with her life. She wants to marry her fiancé and leave behind everything in her past, especially her ex-husband, North Archer. But when Andie tries to gain closure with him, North asks one last favor: Since the death of a distant cousin, he's become the guardian of two orphans who have already driven away three nannies. North needs someone to take care of the situation―and he knows Andie can handle anything.

Carter and Alice aren't your average delinquents, and the creepy old house where they live is being run by the worst housekeeper…


Book cover of Rafe

Gia De Cadenet Author Of Not the Plan

From my list on helping romance lovers remember who they are.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a long-time expat in France, a creative and a Black woman, I get othered and rejected a lot. I’ve had to learn how to own my story – of starting over, of building something from nothing, of remembering where I’ve been, and reminding myself of where I’m going. I had to learn to reject the labels that others want to put on me and draft my own personal hype mantra then embellish it with a little bombshell sparkle. The books I’ve chosen are meant to entertain while giving you the chance to remind yourself of who you are and who you can choose to be.  

Gia's book list on helping romance lovers remember who they are

Gia De Cadenet Why did Gia love this book?

Sometimes you just gotta move far away and start all over.

That’s what Karim, my male lead does in my book, and what Dr. Sloan, the female lead does in Rafe. Neither is looking for love, but as luck would have it…

What I loved about Rafe was the reversal of a common trope – male nanny hired by well-to-do single mother. A bearded, muscular, tattooed nanny who cooks and can fold a fitted sheet? Sign me up!

This book is a fun, spicy ride and poses the question, “why not?” Why can’t a woman killing it in her field come home to a man taking care of the home front, ready to meet all of her needs?

By Rebekah Weatherspoon,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Rafe as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

All Dr. Sloan Copeland needed was someone to watch her kids. What she found was the man of her dreams…After a nasty divorce and a thousand mile move, Dr. Sloan Copeland and her twin daughters are finally getting the hang of their new life in Los Angeles. When their live-in nanny bails with no warning, Sloan is left scrambling to find a competent caretaker to wrangle her smart, sensitive girls. Nothing less will do.Enter Rafe Whitcomb. He's all of those things, not to mention good-natured and one heck of a whiz in the kitchen. He's also tall, and handsome, and…


Book cover of Fool Me Once

Annette Joseph Author Of The Killer Menu: A Delicious Tale of Food, Family and Murder

From my list on mystery books with a beautiful aesthetic.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am Annette Joseph, a writer and food stylist. I spend most of the year at our twelfth-century fortress in northern Tuscany. I have written six books, three cookbooks, and two memoirs about life in Italy. We run private retreats on the grounds. My book My Italian Guestbook is based on these retreats. Writing about everything around me in Italy gives me great pleasure.

Annette's book list on mystery books with a beautiful aesthetic

Annette Joseph Why did Annette love this book?

This novel involves family secrets.

When a husband from a wealthy family is shot in front of her, his wife goes on a tirade that has you invested in the story from the first page. Chocked with well-described characters, this story is driven by love and loss, from the cold and calculating mother-in-law to the sympathetic brother-in-law.

A wife’s journey to find her husband's killer will have you constantly guessing. This book is full of twists and turns, with a twist at the end that leaves you spinning.

By Harlan Coben,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Fool Me Once as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

STOP PRESS NEWS! NOW A SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER, AND OPTIONED FOR FILM WITH JULIA ROBERTS TO STAR IN AND PRODUCE

If your husband was murdered
And you were a witness
How do you explain it when he appears on your nanny cam?
You thought you trusted him.
Now you can't even trust yourself.

Dark secrets and a terrifying hunt for the truth lie at the heart of this gripping new thriller by the 'master of the double twist', Harlan Coben.


Book cover of Playing the Player

Lexi Kingston Author Of Forever June

From my list on vacation romance to get you into a summer state of mind.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a contemporary romance author who writes in paranormal romance on the side, but everything I write always comes down to one thing, and that’s the romance between characters. I love books that make me connect to and root for the main protagonists, no matter their flaws or situation. I specifically love romance novels that take place during the summer or in places that are warm year-round because no matter what season it is when you read them, you’re immediately transported to a warm, sunny, swoon-worthy world.

Lexi's book list on vacation romance to get you into a summer state of mind

Lexi Kingston Why did Lexi love this book?

This forced proximity, opposites attract romance has always been a favorite of mine.

I read it when I was in high school, and it’s one that I always come back to. It’s the kind of book that inspired me to start writing and made me want to continue to write romance. The plotline will leave you smiling at the pages throughout the characters' banter and strengthening relationship with the kids they’re forced to babysit for a summer job.

By Lisa Brown Roberts,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Playing the Player as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

Trina Clemons needed the money. Why else would she—the most organized, prepared student in school—spend the summer as a nanny and partner with the biggest slacker ever? Now she's ready to tackle nannyhood with her big binder of research and schedules. Just don't ask her about the secret job of “fixing” the bad habits of a certain high school player... Slade Edmunds prefers easy hook-ups, and Trina is definitely not his type. She's all structure and rules, while Slade wants to just have fun. Fortunately, Trina has no idea about the bet Slade made with his best friend that he…


Book cover of The Rancher's Surprise Second Chance

Carmen Peone Author Of Captured Secrets

From my list on romance that rope you into cowboys and love.

Why am I passionate about this?

Because I have lived on an Indian reservation for more than three decades, own and train horses, have competed in horse shows and competitions, have worked with one of my sons on a cattle ranch, and I’ve been happily married for almost forty years, writing contemporary Western romance became the perfect fit. I love reading clean romance stories with strong female characters. My degree in Abnormal Psychology from Eastern Washington University has proved useful in my development of characters and their fears, the lies they believe, and how to overcome their struggles.  

Carmen's book list on romance that rope you into cowboys and love

Carmen Peone Why did Carmen love this book?

A ranch in Apple Valley, Washington, is filled with promise and second chances. Especially for a beautiful little boy with Down Syndrome, who is in need of a nanny. I loved this character! He’s spunky, and fun, and captured my heart from the moment I met him on the page. I also enjoyed his spunky secret half-sister. Stories with children helping couples in second-chance romances renew their relationship tug at my heartstrings. The Rancher’s Surprise proved to be a heartwarming romance that made me close the book and want more. This is definitely a “comfort” read. 

By Dalyn Weller,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Rancher's Surprise Second Chance as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Eight years ago, Cody McClure came home from the summer rodeo circuit with a surprise pregnant wife even though he’d promised to marry his high school sweetheart. Now he’s the single father of a special needs son in desperate need of a nanny while he runs the Three M Ranch.

Molly Halverson left home with a broken heart and a secret. Now she’s back in Apple Valley, a single mom in need of a job. But the only job available in her small hometown is for the man who trampled her heart and has no idea he fathered her child.…


Book cover of Yuki Means Happiness

Kate Innes Author Of The Errant Hours

From my list on young women in big trouble.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up in small-town America, very far from where I was born (London), with a strong desire to travel and explore. I also developed a thirst for history—the older the better! At eighteen, I went to work on European digs before studying Archaeology in the UK and teaching in Southern Africa. Across these adventures I both experienced and witnessed the victimization of young women—an even more common ordeal in the past. So now I write historical fiction about resourceful, brave women who strive to be the active, powerful centres of their own stories. I hope you find the books on my list as inspiring as I do!

Kate's book list on young women in big trouble

Kate Innes Why did Kate love this book?

I know nearly nothing about the Far East—so was delighted to experience a taste of Japan through this compassionate, original novel told from the point of view of young American nurse, Diana, as she takes the job of nanny to the toddler Yuki, after divorce has forced Yuki’s mother from the family home. Immersed in a different culture, Diana feels confusion, fascination, and a growing love for Yuki. The tension builds as she begins to understand the real danger the child is in. Diana faces psychological peril as she tries to break the chain of damage for Yuki—and herself. As a mother of three, I often can’t bear child jeopardy in a plot, but the author’s intelligent writing is compelling and sensitive, not gratuitous. 

By Alison Jean Lester,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'A mystery, a love story and a fascinating encounter with a different culture, Yuki Means Happiness is an outstanding novel' John Boyne

Diana is young and uneasy in a new relationship when she leaves America and moves halfway around the world to Tokyo seeking adventure. In Japan she takes a job as a nanny to two-year-old Yuki Yoshimura and sets about adapting to a routine of English practice, ballet and swimming lessons, and Japanese cooking.

But as Diana becomes increasingly attached to Yuki she also becomes aware that everything in the Yoshimura household isn't as it first seemed. Before long,…


Book cover of Mary Poppins
Book cover of The Perfect Nanny
Book cover of That Kind of Mother

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