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Woman's World
10 Relatable Books with Heroines Over 40: From Ann Patchett’s ‘Tom Lake’ to ‘Sandwich’ by Catherine Newman
By Courtney Shapiro,
8 hours ago
Thanks to social media and the #BookTok movement, books are having a moment. And while that’s helping many young people to find book recommendations and discover (or rediscover!) a love of reading, scores of older women are also avid readers. Indeed, research shows that 77 percent of active readers are women over the age of 45. These readers are open to any genre, from fantasy to romance, science fiction, mysteries and more. But sometimes you’re looking for books with heroines over age 40. These books tend to be more relatable, because you may share similar life experiences with the main characters.
Here, we compiled a list of the best books where the main characters are age 40 or older. From endearing family tales like Tom Lake to the feel-good Remarkably Bright Creatures, it’s easy to relate to these women. Keep scrolling for all our picks. Happy Reading!
Tom Lake is set during the pandemic when three grown daughters are forced to return to their family’s cherry farm in Michigan to help with the harvest. During those long, isolated days in the orchard, the daughters get their mother Lara talking about her first love. It’s a wholesome book about the different directions a life can take and of children seeing their parents in a new light.
What readers are saying: “I have always been a huge fan of Ann Patchett’s vibrant, beautiful prose,” says Lisa Maxbauer, Woman's World Senior Nutrition Writer. “And when I heard that Meryl Streep was narrating the audiobook for her newest novel, I knew it was a must-listen! As one of three daughters who grew up near Michigan cherry orchards, I found this book to be a soothing and tranquil dose of home!”
Fifty-four-year-old Rocky finds herself in a situation familiar to so many women: no longer needed by her adult children for their day-to-day concerns and simultaneously worried about her aging parents while dealing with the unpredictable symptoms of menopause. As Rocky and her husband Nick embark on their annual beach vacation in Cape Cod with the kids, Jamie and Willa, and Jamie’s girlfriend, Rocky can’t help but recall a lifetime of memories both good and bad.
What readers are saying: “The idyllic image on the cover of the book drew me in when I was looking for a quick read,” says Patty Bontekoe , Woman’s World Executive Editor. “This was a beautiful story about family — nothing much happens, but Newman addresses topics like motherhood, menopause, love, aging, grief, regret and more in such a realistic way. I felt like I knew — and loved — the family by the last day of their vacation.”
After dealing with emotional upheaval in her childhood, 57-year-old Julia Ames seems to have hit a plateau. She finally feels she has a handle on things — until her son surprises her with an announcement, her teenage daughter is getting ready to launch into adulthood and someone from her past makes an unexpected appearance, bringing up all kinds of memories, good and bad. Same as It Ever Was dives into the nuances of real life, the power of intergenerational friendships and how each of our choices play a role in our life experiences.
What readers are saying: “ I truly loved this book. I was immediately hooked with insights into the lives of women my age. I read the book in one weekend and appreciated the good cry it provoked for me at the end.”
All book lovers can agree — nothing beats a good plot twist. That feeling of needing to know what happens next and thinking you have the solution and then gasping out loud when you find out you’re wrong is truly unmatched. But the best book plot twists have you thinking about them long after you’ve […]
This fictionalized account of Belle da Costa Greene tells the story of a light-skinned Black woman who, in order to achieve her dreams, must pass herself off as white. She rises to a position as the personal librarian for J.P. Morgan, tasked with collecting rare manuscripts, books and artwork for his Pierpont Morgan Library. Over four decades, Belle attains a prominent status in the art world in the early 20th century, thanks to her intellect and passion.
What readers are saying: “ This was one of the most wonderful fictional books I have ever read! It was easy to relate to the character's thoughts and feelings even though the story is far from the future, the characters were easy to relate to and well developed. The authors did a wonderful job creating a fictional story of Bella de Costa Greene. This is a must read book.”
Lauren Aston is an artist, wife and mom whose chaotic life gets even busier when she lands a huge job opportunity, her hard-to-please mother Evelyn moves in to “help” and she finds herself co-parenting the baby of virtual strangers in an attempt to make up for a mistake she made. In her new city, Lauren meets Melinda, whose husband of 30 years has left her, and Olivia, a woman in her 20s who finds herself out of a job thanks to Melinda’s anger-fueled breakdown. Told from the point of view of Lauren, Melinda and Olivia, this is a story that celebrates love, hate and the power of women coming together for one another.
What readers are saying: “ This book was the best surprise ever. I cannot say enough about the original storyline, quirky characters and lessons in friendship. With an ensemble of characters that easily come to life, the storytelling is both funny and heartwarming. There is a fine line between love and hate, and a character you may dislike one moment is one you’ll be rooting for soon after. This book is pure enjoyment.”
A story about rediscovering love after loss with the help of a giant octopus? Yes, please! Debut author Shelby Van Pelt serves up a charming novel about 70-year-old Tova Sullivan’s quest to solve a mystery from her past with the help of Marcellus, a misanthropic octopus who also serves as a first-person narrator. Creative, entertaining and inspiring — you won’t want to put it down!
What readers are saying: “I absolutely adored Marcellus the octopus,” raves Carissa Mosness, Woman’s World Assistant Digital Editor. “His relationship with Tova and the world was so sweet and pure.”
Memorable plots, vivid details, well-drawn character arcs, inspiring lessons…there are many things that make a story really good. But when it comes to audiobooks, there are a few extra boxes to check off. For a book to translate into a great audiobook, it needs to be more than a good story — it also needs […]
Bestselling author Lisa Jewell is adored for her captivating, eerie novels, and this 2023 release delivers more chilling thrills. When 45-year-old true-crime podcaster Alix Summer crosses paths with Josie Fair one night, Josie’s strange story piques Alix’s interest. Josie swindles her way into Alix’s life but disappears as quickly as she came. Soon, Alix uncovers Josie’s dark and terrifyingly twisted secrets, which threaten Alix’s whole world.
What readers are saying: “ I love a good mystery. Even better when there is a woman lead. This book kept me wanting more. I read it in 3 days. I am not a regular reader so I was thrilled at how fast I was invested in the characters and story! She did an amazing job of putting the characters together and relatable. From the first page you are intrigued and want more. The ending was not what I saw coming! The last few chapters I read in one day because I had to know how it unfolded! Highly recommend even for those who do not normally read.
Eliza has been running the The Hudson Valley Ladies' Bulletin Board for 15 years, but now, as an empty nester with agoraphobia, she needs the online forum more than ever. Worried a rival parenting site will usurp her online presence, she doesn’t think twice before starting a scandalous rumor. It doesn’t take long for the rumor to blow up and soon all of Hudson Valley is thrown into a tailspin. With a message of the power of sisterhood and how words can impact those around you — you can’t help but root for Eliza.
What readers are saying: “ Eliza Starts a Rumor was such a fun and fabulous read, juicy and saucy, yet serious and emotional! Jane Rosen’s ability to draw me in to her fabulous characters and strong story lines made this page turner hard to put down. The issues that were talked about were important and relevant. I felt like I was part of the ‘sisterhood’ that Ms. Rosen so magically created.”
It’s kill or be killed in this page-turning thriller. For 40 years, Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite network of assassins. Unfortunately, their skills are considered old-school and no one needs what they have to offer. But when the foursome is sent on a vacation to celebrate their retirement, they quickly realize they’ve been marked for death. The women must rally together and go against their organization in order to survive.
What readers are saying: “ Relatable characters and a kick ass plot, this story keeps you hooked til the end. As a ‘woman of a certain age’ I felt validated and supported.”
When 51-year-old bestselling author Vivian Howe is killed in a hit-and-run car accident while out for a run, she finds herself in the “Beyond,” where she’s allowed to watch over her three grown children. She also is given three “nudges” that allow her to change the outcome of events that happen to her loved ones. But when hidden truths come to light, Vivi’s family will have to sort out their past and present mistakes — with or without a nudge from above — while Vivi finally lets them grow without her.
What readers are saying: “This bittersweet story pulled me right in,” says Patty Bontekoe , Woman’s World Executive Editor . “The mystery of who killed Vivian and tons of family drama held my interest, while the dreamlike descriptions of Nantucket beaches, food and grand homes put me right on vacation!”
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