12 Authors Like Danielle Steel
When it comes to famous authors, few names shine as brightly as Danielle Steel. She is one of the most legendary writers of all time, with a career that has shaped modern romance and women’s fiction. For decades, her novels have dominated the New York Times Best Seller list—sometimes holding spots for consecutive weeks at a time. But she isn’t the only one. Many other authors have followed in her footsteps, creating moving, dramatic, and romantic stories that captivate readers.
In this post, I’m sharing a roundup of authors like Danielle Steel—writers who bring similar heart, emotion, and drama to their storytelling. If you love Steel’s style, these authors may just become your next favorites.
12 Authors Like Danielle Steel
Before we dive into the list, let’s set expectations. I’ll share a bit about who Danielle Steel is, the genre she is best known for, and why readers fall in love with her books over and over again. From there, I’ll introduce you to authors who write in a similar spirit—authors who understand the power of love, loss, and second chances.
Who Is Danielle Steel
Danielle Fernandes Dominique Schuelein-Steel—known to the world as Danielle Steel—is one of the most prolific and bestselling authors of all time. Born in New York City, she grew up surrounded by creativity. Her early life included time in both Paris and New York, and she studied at New York University and Parsons School of Design. At just age 19, she married for the first time.
Her first novel was published in 1973, launching a career that would go on to include over 190 books. Steel has written everything from sweeping family sagas to children’s books, and even collections of love poems. She has also published a book of poetry titled Love: Poems. Her son Nick tragically died by suicide, which she later wrote about in her memoir His Bright Light.
Today, she splits her time between Paris and San Francisco, and she remains one of the most recognizable names in publishing.
What Genre Is Danielle Steel Best Known For
Danielle Steel is best known for writing romantic drama novels that often appear on the York Times best seller list. Her books explore themes of family, heartbreak, ambition, resilience, and love. While her stories vary widely in setting—from glittering mansions to gritty hospitals—they often focus on relationships and personal struggles.
Steel has also shed light on difficult topics such as mental illness, loss, and grief, all while weaving them into stories that keep readers hooked. That blend of glamour, drama, and humanity is exactly why readers return to her books time and again.
Who Are the Best Authors Who Write Like Danielle Steel
If you’ve finished all of Steel’s novels (not an easy feat!) or you’re looking to expand your reading list, here are some authors you’ll love:
20 Books For Men In Their 30s
Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts is often mentioned in the same breath as Steel. Known for both her contemporary romances and her suspenseful thrillers (sometimes written as J.D. Robb), Roberts has an incredible backlist. She also frequently appears on the York Times best seller list and has a devoted following.
20 Books For Men In Their 30s
Debbie Macomber
Author Interview with Debbie Macomber
Debbie Macomber writes heartwarming, small-town romances that tug at the heartstrings. Like Steel, she emphasizes family and community. Her Cedar Cove series was even adapted into a Hallmark TV show.
20 Books For Men In Their 30s
Barbara Taylor Bradford
Best known for A Woman of Substance, Bradford writes multi-generational sagas that feel very much in the tradition of Steel’s sweeping dramas. Her novels often focus on strong women overcoming hardship.
20 Books For Men In Their 30s
Kristin Hannah
With books like The Nightingale and Firefly Lane, Kristin Hannah blends family drama with historical and emotional storytelling. Like Steel, she isn’t afraid to tackle difficult subjects, but she always grounds her books in human connection.
20 Books For Men In Their 30s
Jackie Collins
For readers who love the glamour and scandal side of Steel’s novels, Jackie Collins is a perfect match. Her Hollywood series is filled with bold characters, luxury, and drama.
20 Books For Men In Their 30s
Elin Hilderbrand
Author Interview with Elin Hilderbrand
Known as the “Queen of the Beach Read,” Elin Hilderbrand sets most of her novels in Nantucket. Her books—like 28 Summers—often explore complex relationships, much like Steel’s contemporary romances.
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Jodi Picoult
While Jodi Picoult leans more toward moral dilemmas and courtroom dramas, she shares Steel’s knack for weaving in emotional and social issues. Her bestselling novels often spark conversations and reflect on family struggles.
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Emily Giffin
Author Interview with Emily Giffin
Emily Giffin is a modern voice who captures the romantic and dramatic tone Steel fans love. Her breakout novel Something Borrowed remains a fan favorite, and her books often appear on the York Times best seller list.
20 Books For Men In Their 30s
Taylor Jenkins Reid
From Daisy Jones & The Six to Malibu Rising, Reid writes glitzy, glamorous novels with emotional depth. If you love Steel’s novels set against the backdrop of fame and fortune, Reid will be right up your alley.
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Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Author Interview with Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Susan Elizabeth Phillips adds humor to her romances but doesn’t shy away from drama. Her sports-themed romances are a great fit if you’re looking for something both heartfelt and fun.
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Maeve Binchy
Maeve Binchy is beloved for her Irish family sagas, which focus on relationships, community, and the challenges of everyday life. Her storytelling is rich and warm, echoing Steel’s more heartfelt novels.
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Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks, with novels like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, writes emotional love stories filled with heartbreak, sacrifice, and redemption—themes Steel readers will find familiar.
Final Thoughts
Danielle Steel—born Danielle Fernandes Schuelein Steel—has had an extraordinary career. Her stories of love, loss, and resilience continue to captivate readers. But she’s not alone. From Nora Roberts to Nicholas Sparks, these authors keep the tradition alive, ensuring that readers always have another story to turn to when they’ve finished their latest Steel novel.
If you enjoy exploring the romance genre more broadly, you might also like my roundup of contemporary romance authors or dive into something spicier with steamy contemporary romance novels.
Whether you’re looking for sweeping sagas, emotional family dramas, or glamorous love stories, these authors like Danielle Steel will keep your TBR pile full.
