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16 Books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a historical fiction masterpiece that has over 2 million Goodreads reviews. Since its initial publication in 2017, the book has been on the New York Times bestseller list for about 91 weeks.
The scandalous life story of Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo, and an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant continue to captivate readers even in 2023! According to Reid, Evelyn Hugo was loosely based in part on actresses Elizabeth Taylor and Ava Gardner.
With forbidden love, family secrets, and multiple timelines intertwined through two compelling character perspectives, readers are transported into the world of old-style Hollywood, Los Angeles. And among all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is her best work.
If you couldn’t get enough of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and want to read similar books that resemble Evelyn’s story, you’ll love this list.
Stories of brave women who successfully navigated their life through the most unfavorable circumstances. Whether it’s Niva from Malibu Rising or Opal from The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, these are addictive books with unexpected twists. I am certain that fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid would immediately add these books to the reading list.
Explore 16 books similar to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, which will give you the sparkling splendor of old Hollywood and more.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Summary

Need a quick recap of the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo? Then read this publishers summary
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready, to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?
Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.
Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.
Read my review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Best Books Like Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Yet another novel that will certainly resemble the life of great star Evelyn Hugo. Daisy Jones & The Six will transport you back to the iconic rock n’ roll age. The story follows a fictional 1970s rock group and their infamous breakup. Written in the form of a biography, the novel begins with the story of a young woman named Daisy, the lead singer of the band. As a young girl from L.A., Daisy always dreamed of becoming a singer. So when she gets to be part of the famous band, The Six, she feels exhilarated. Just like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six is a sweeping tale filled with glitz, glamour ambition, and shocking secrets.
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City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

When 19-year-old Vivian Morris comes to live in New York in 1940, a whole new world opens before her.
Having been expelled from Vassar College in 1940, she now works along with her aunt Peg in her The Lilly Playhouse.
Intimated at first, Vivian slowly explores the wild side of her, along with the flamboyant showgirls and handsome actors. But when she makes one small mistake, it turns into a scandal that absolutely shatters her. Now ninety-five years old, Vivian writes her life story to Angela, who wants to know Vivian’s relationship with her father. I have actually found quite a lot of similarities between Evelyn and Vivian. For a start, both of them lived life on their own terms. Confident, intriguing females who were not afraid to take risks and explore lives. Similar to Reid’s Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, City of Girls takes us on a journey of self-discovery, female sexuality, complex characters, and true love.
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Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau

Next in the list, we have is an immersive book that surely going to bring in much more fun and delight than The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Mary Jane lives with her very conservative family in an affluent Baltimore community. As a fourteen-year-old, she is shy and soft-spoken, helps her mother in the kitchen, and sings in the church choir.
When she is finally able to get a summer job as a nanny at Cones’s household, she is thrilled to get out of the house on her own. However, when she arrives there, she is shocked to find out how messy they are. From the five-year-old Izzy to Dr Cone, everyone seems to walk around in their underwear and there is never anything in the fridge. One morning, Dr Cone announces that he is soon going to treat a famous person in his house. And young Mary is stunned when she finds out who it is. Mary Jane has many memorable characters.
This coming-fo age novel is surely going to bring in much more fun and delight than the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
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The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

Opal and Nev are the most unlikely rock duo in the 1970s. Opal is a balding black girl from Detroit, while Nev is a white English boy. Despite their differences, they come together to make music for Rivington Records. However, their musical journey is short-lived after a tragic event.
Soon both part ways but forty years later, the duo is planning to do a reunion concert in 2026. So before the event, a black female journalist wants to curate the oral history of the band and the people involved in their journey.
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Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The book tells the events that are taking place hours before the collapse of the Riva mansion.
The entire Malibu town and Riva siblings are gearing up for the annual summer party. A glamorous party is hosted by Nina Riva, a celebrated surfer, and supermodel along with her siblings; Jay, Hud, and Kit. As the children of the famous rock star, Mick Riva, the four of them are constantly in the public eye. However, at this year’s summer party, secrets are revealed and the Riva siblings’ fate is sealed. Reid elucidates how a strong family bond can overcome any adversity in life. Malibu Rising also celebrates the glory of Hollywood and even mentions a little bit about Evelyn Hugo’s story
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✅ Check this out:- Full list of Taylor Jenkins Reid Books in Order

Confession by Jessie Burton

When Elise met Constance Holden on Hampstead Heath in 1980, she is captivated by Constance’s boldness and charisma. As a successful novelist, she is soon to be moved to LA. So Elise travels with her to explore new horizons along with Con in LA. As she is unable to find her place among Hollywood celebrities and glamorous parties, their relationship starts to suffer.
Decades later, we meet Rose Simmons who wants to find out about her missing mother, Elise. Confession by Jessie Burton is a deeply moving novel about forbidden love, motherhood, and friendship.
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The Songbook of Benny Lament by Amy Harmon

From the New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon comes an inspiring tale of music, love, and race. For twenty-nine-year-old Benny Lament, music is everything. As a son of a mobster, he knew that love and family can bring trouble.
So he led a reclusive life, making music for others. When his father takes him to a young black girl, Esther Mine who sings live, Benny is awestruck by her voice.
Shortly after he decides to collaborate with her band. This story of an interracial couple in the 60s is told through a radio interview.
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The Idea Of You by Robinne Lee

When thirty-nine-year-old Los Angeles. art gallery owner meets Hayes Campbell, the member of world-famous August Moon, the unthinkable happens. They develop a passionate and genuine relationship. But their age difference complicates things. To be in a relationship with a twenty years old boy whom the whole world idolizes makes Solène anxious.
Yet they travel together and navigate their relationships through each other’s careers. But when the time comes Solène has to choose between her romantic relationship and her daughter.
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The Chelsea Girls by Fiona Davis

Set in the backdrop of The Chelsea Hotel, The Chelsea Girls is a mesmerising journey of Maxine Mead, an actress, and Hazel Riley, a playwright who plan to begin each other’s careers. However, quickly they realize that making a Broadway show is all about politics. And for Senator McCarthy, nothing stands on his mission to erase the entertainers who are communists. Spanning over twenty years, Fiona Davis crafted a well-researched historical fiction with intricate female friendships and glamorous backgrounds.
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Crowned Heads by Thomas Tryon

Crowned Heads chronicles the stories of Hollywood stars and their life in Hollywood. There is the story of a mysterious actress who wants to be young forever. And there is one of a child actor, and actress who is on her way to self-discovery.
And finally, the actor, once known for elegance and wit, has to face the most horrible fate.
Just like Reid’s novel, Crowned Heads goes deeps down into the dark secrets of Hollywood stars.
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Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

Circling the Sun elucidates the extraordinary life of Beryl Markham. She was brought to Kenya when her family decided to start a horse farm. But shortly after the migration, her mother left her.
And it’s the father who looks after Beryl. She grows up in the wild along with the native tribe and becomes fierce and adventurous and becomes the first female horse trainer. However, in the midst of all this, she has gotten herself into disastrous relationships. This fictionalized history of Beryl Markham is an enchanting read.
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The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

One of the highlights of the novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is how Reid managed to tell stories of two women from different timelines; Evelyn Hugo and Monique Grant. That’s exactly how Fiona Davis tells the narrative of this novel.
The reader is transported between 1928 and 1974 to look through the lives of two women, Clara Darden and Virginia Clay respectively. After running away from her family home in Arizona, Clara works as a teacher of illustration at Grand Central School of Art. Life as a woman artist is harder than she expected. Meanwhile, Virginia is a single mom who is struggling to make ends meet. So when gets a job in the information booth of Grand Central Terminal, she accepts it.
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In One Person by John Irving

In One Person, author John Irving narrates the story of a young boy who happened to love the wrong people throughout his life. William Billy Dean lived with his divorced mom in his grandparent’s house. He doesn’t know what happened between his parents except that his dad was caught kissing another person.
As a teenager, Billy was constantly having crushes on many people; from the town librarian to his mom’s new boyfriend. He was unable to control his emotions. Soon Billy finds out the actual reason for their parent’s divorce which eventually influences his own love life.
An absorbing book that chronicles the inmost emotions of a bisexual man.
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The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

The Only Woman in the Room is a fascinating account of Austrian inventor & actress, Hedy Kiesler. In the first part of the book, we learn about the actress’ life as the wife of an arms dealer. Although She was often felt suffocated as a trophy wife, being the wife of a powerful leader saved her from Nazi prosecution. The later part of the book follows her life after escaping from her abusive marriage and her rise to stardom. But she also has a secret that she is keeping even from her Jewish family.
Just like the dazzling movie icon, Evelyn Hugo, Hedy Kiesler has also led a fascinating life.
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The City of Flickering Light by Juliette Fay

In order to escape their job and chase their dreams, burlesque dancers Irene Van Beck and Millie Martin, and the comedian Henry Weiss jump off the train and find their way to Hollywood. Although they got out of their horrible jobs, they find it difficult to survive in the new place. As their dreams are challenged by prejudiced men, they lean on their friendship.
The City of Flickering Light narrates the other side of dazzling Hollywood. If you loved the scandals and secrets of the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this is a perfect follow-up.
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Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb

In this charming historical fiction authors intertwined the real-life fairytale love story of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco with the love story of the fictional character, Sophie Duval, a floundering perfumer. During the Cannes festival, movie star Grace Kellys is pursued by a British photographer. In order to avoid him, Grace shelters herself in Sophie’s perfume shop.
Soon the two women develop a life-long friendship. A heartwarming story of friendship and heartbreak.
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Ready to get started with these epic page-turners just like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
What other books do you add to the list?
Let me know in the comments,
Stephy
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Book Review: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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That’s wonderful. Thank you for reading.
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