Hopeless romantics don’t have to travel back in time to find more heartwarming books like Outlander. Ever since Diana Gabaldon debuted the historical romance series in 1991, readers and other authors alike have swooned. Audiences were captivated when Claire Randall, a British Army nurse married in World War II, inadvertently traveled back to 18th-century Scotland. Readers fell in love with Jamie Fraser, the burly red-haired hillbilly, along with Claire. Over 25 million copies of the eight-part series have been sold in 40 countries around the world. em. Gabaldón also received literary praise for winning the Rita Award for Best Romance Novel.
Since 2014, fans have religiously tuned in to the television adaptation Outlander on Starz with actors Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan. Between the episodes of this season, you can choose or download other books as an outsider.
You are reading: Books like outlander and a discovery of witches
The historical romance genre has plenty of time-traveling novels to tide you over until you finish Diana Gabaldon’s ninth book. Books like Outlander keep readers spellbound with gripping adventures that span centuries and continents. they are gripping books that weave timeless love stories from sweet to downright sizzling. Whenever you long for a dreamy escape into the past, make an appointment with these top 50 books as an outsider.
#1 – the lion of Wales
sarah woodbury
Starting with Cold My Heart, this series takes place in the year 537 AD during the time of King Arthur. His loyal followers find solace in North Wales, but are being surrounded by Saxon soldiers. myrddin and nell, two of the king’s companions and lovers, have a prophetic vision of arthur’s impending death at the battle of camlann. Together, they must fight to change their destiny and protect Britain.
#2 – a bridge through time
gay glory
After the death of her parents, Jane Fielder returns to her home country of England. she visits the large farm that she toured at the age of 14 with her mother. she is attracted to a painting of a young man. As Ella Jane caresses the man’s hand, she travels through time to 1803. Here she meets the real-life version of Jestyn Greywick. Will she choose her life before hers or will she follow her heart?
#3 – happily beyond
nichole truck
Best-selling author Nichole Van tells the story of Claire Raythorn, a young woman eager to rebuild her life in Florence, Italy. but here she meets a mysterious and ghostly presence. a man dressed as mr. Darcy begins to appear in photos of him. Somehow, Claire is the only person not affected by Dante D’Angelo’s 200-year curse. As their love blossoms, the couple must face an unknown evil for their entire lives.
#4 – all in good time
dee davis
eight years ago, katherine st. Claire thought that she had found her soulmate during her vacation in Scotland. she and her handsome stranger shared a passionate night in duncreag. however, the morning came, she mysteriously disappeared. Living in 1467, Iain Mackintosh is haunted by the memory of Katherine’s warmth. His longing for her leads him back to Duncreag, where she suddenly reappears. Can her love survive the 530-year barrier that separates them?
#5 – game of thrones
george r.r. martin
game of thrones is among the fantasy books like outlander that have been adapted for television. Set in Westeros, this novel depicts the brutal struggles between the seven kingdoms. The King’s Hand, Jon Arryn, has mysteriously died. King Robert Baratheon, Prince Joffrey, and beloved Daenerys Targaryen journey to Winterfell to reclaim the Iron Throne. But the greatest threat lies beyond the towering wall.
#6 – across a moonswept wasteland
julie moffett
Julie Moffett’s Prism Award-winning story begins in 1997 when Fiona Chancellor travels to Northern Ireland in search of her missing cousin, Faith. A mystical dagger leads her to a stone circle in Beaghmore. searching for her suddenly sends her back to the mid-17th century and into the arms of a beautiful man. Fiona begins to fall in love with the Scottish warmblood, Ian Maclaren. Will she be able to give up her modern life for love?
#7 – the fortune hunter
daisy goodwin
charlotte baird, a simple young woman, becomes heiress to the lennox fortune on the death of her parents. Much to the delight of her aunt Adelaide, young suitors begin pursuing her. But she can’t ignore her feelings for Bay Middleton, a handsome penniless cavalry officer. Unfortunately, the dazzling Empress Elizabeth also has the bay in her sights. Readers will be engrossed in this love triangle set in Victorian England.
#8 – into the desert
sara donati
Set in 1792, In the Wilderness centers on Elizabeth Middleton, a 29-year-old spinster who leaves her sheltered life in England. She travels to live with her father, Alfred, in upstate New York. she soon discovers alfred’s plan to marry her off to dr. Richard Todd instead, Elizabeth finds herself attracted to Nathaniel Bonner, a rugged Scotsman raised by a Mohawk tribe. But Nathaniel is secretly planning to reclaim the Middleton land for his people.
#9 – the lion, the witch and the wardrobe
c.s. louis
Published in 1950, this novel begins a classic series of books as an outsider called the Chronicles of Narnia. here we meet four british siblings: peter, susan, edmund and lucy. They are sent to the home of Professor Digory Kirke to escape World War II raids. That’s where the kids stumble upon a magical portal to Narnia. With talking animal companions, the Pevensies fight to protect Narnia from the White Witch.
#10 – love beyond time
bethany claire
brielle montgomery, living in the present state of texas, is tired of her mundane life as a kindergarten teacher. so she travels to scotland with her archaeologist mother. her excavation uncovers ruins of a nearly 400-year-old castle. Brielle finds a secret spell room that sends her back in time. Suddenly, she’s living in Conall’s castle and married to her handsome laird. each day with no escape from her leaves her falling in love with her new husband.
#11 – the dark ages
traci harding
Starting the Future Ancient trilogy, this fantasy novel follows a 20th century woman named Tory. A car accident leaves Tory stranded by holy stones in the English countryside. unexpectedly, she is teleported back to the dark ages. Prince Maelgwyn finds the mysterious woman dressed in jeans and accuses her of being a witch. Tory challenges the prince’s knights to a duel. With her black belt skills, Tory defeats her opponent and wins Maelgwyn’s admiration.
#12 – rise of a viking
purington sky
Cybil is overjoyed when she inherits a million-dollar waterfront villa in Maine. Unbeknownst to her, the backyard ash tree connects the nine worlds of Norse mythology. She soon returns to 10th century Scandinavia. she here she meets heidrek sigdir, a half dragon viking who will claim the throne. the pair share an instant and undeniable connection. Will Heidrek rise as king or will he follow his heart to a modern woman?
#13 – mariana
susana kearsley
julia beckett has fulfilled her dream of owning the 16th century wilshire country house she has long admired. However, upon moving to Greywethers, Julia discovers that it is a magical portal. She finds herself immersed in 17th-century British life as Mariana. With each journey, Ella Julia finds herself more captivated and drawn to Richard de Mornay, the squire of Crofton Hall. Soon Mariana’s life begins to overshadow hers and Julia must choose between the past or the present.
#14 – daughter of time
sarah woodbury
sarah woodbury kicks off the after cilmeri series featuring meg, a modern day widow facing the end of her brief and unhappy marriage. Unexpectedly, she slips through time and travels back to 13th century Wales. here meg meets prince llywelyn. a prophetic vision of her allows her to save the prince’s life from an ambush. Unable to deny their attraction, the pair team up to thwart enemies that threaten Welsh’s very existence.
#15 – kushiel’s legacy
jacqueline carey
the legacy of kushiel is a historical fantasy series set in terre d’ange around 1000 years after the creation of bless elua. Phédre, the protagonist, is a young woman born into indentured servitude. Upon reaching adulthood, she is sold to a nobleman named Anafiel Delaunay. he becomes the first to recognize phédre’s special mission. She has been chosen by Kushiel’s dart to save her homeland from scheming traitors.
#16 – not to mention the dog
connie willis
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Hugo Award-winning author Connie Willis writes this comedic story about Ned Henry, a time traveler. In 2057, Lady Schrapnell has donated efforts to rebuild the Nazi-bombed Coventry Cathedral. ned is sent back to the 1940s by the famous bishop’s bird stump. But when fellow jumper Verity Kindle makes a careless mistake, Ned must venture back to the Victorian era to avoid altering history forever.
#17 – the tear gas queen
erika johansen
After an apocalyptic event called the crossing, the world of the 24th century has returned to feudalism. Raised in exile, Princess Kelsea Raleigh Flynn is determined to reclaim her rightful throne for her 19th birthday. Armed with the Queen’s Guard and her magical necklace of tear sapphires, Kelsea journeys back to the capital. she however, finds her kingdom in grave danger from the neighboring sorceress ruler mortmesne.
#18 – the mists of avalon
marion zimmer bradley
The Mists of Avalon is a female-centric retelling of Arthurian legend that shares the story of Morgaine, an enchanted Druid priestess with double sight. As the half-sister of King Arthur, Morgaine is intensely loyal to her Celtic homeland. She faces a battle to stop patriarchal Christianity from destroying Avalon’s pagan lifestyle. But Morgaine is torn between her loyalty and his unsatisfied love for Lancelet.
#19 – a discovery of witches
deborah harkness
British historian Diana Bishop leads a carefully ordinary life. she that is until she opens a mystical alchemical manuscript in oxford university’s bodleian library. Diana unknowingly unleashes a fantastical underworld filled with witches, vampires, and destructive demons. Among the creatures is Matthew Clairmont, a geneticist with ancient vampire blood. Readers are spellbound as Diana and Matthew struggle to keep the peace.
#20 – bridge in time (book #1 of the swept time series)
brenda hiatt
Modern socialite Kathryn Monroe humors her mother by attending a costume party at a South Carolina mansion. Walking past a charming grandfather clock, Kathryn suddenly speeds back in time to 1825. Meanwhile, Catherine Prescott escapes her trapped 19th-century life and takes Kathryn’s place. Nearly identical women begin to fall for men the other had loathed. But will fate allow them to find happiness in another life?
#21 – the forgotten room
karen white, lauren willig and beatriz williams
dr. kate schuyler is a world war ii doctor who is simply looking for success in a field dominated by men. That is until the injured Captain Cooper Ravenal is wheeled into the hospital. she is inexplicably attracted to the handsome soldier. but she then finds the captain’s portrait of a woman who looks identical to kate. As she searches for answers, Kate discovers her past connection to Olive Van Alen and Lucy Young.
#22 – the pocket watch chronicles
ceci giltenán
Maggie Mitchell, a trendy sweater girl, is heartbroken to see her best friend Elliot marry Gertrude. At the wedding, Maggie meets a haunted old lady. she is given a pocket watch and 60 days to experience another life. Suddenly, Maggie is on her horse and galloping off to 13th-century Scotland. her here she becomes margaret and is engaged to handsome hillman logan. What will happen when she expires her time?
#23 – waterfall
lisa tawn bergren
Gabriella Bentarrini, the daughter of two famous Etruscan scholars, has spent every summer excavating medieval castles in rural Italy. it’s just another hot, boring day until she touches the wall of an ancient tomb. Suddenly, Gabi is transported back to 14th-century Tuscany and finds herself embroiled in a fierce battle. she luckily she is rescued by a handsome prince-knight, marcello forelli. Castello Forelli takes her in, but Gabriella soon becomes Castello Paratore’s target.
#24 – a knight in shining armor
jude deveraux
Set in 1988, A Knight in Shining Armor tells the story of Douglas Montgomery, a young woman vacationing in England with her boyfriend and spoiled daughter. after a fight, douglass is left without a passport. he walks to a nearby church and weeps on a tombstone. Suddenly, a handsome stranger appears, introducing himself as Nicholas Stafford. But the tombstone says that he died 400 years ago!
#25 – doomsday book
connie willis
Another of Connie Willis’ books as an outsider is Doomsday Book. Set in late 21st century England, this 592-page novel centers on Kivrin Engle, a young historian. She asks her boss, Professor James Dunworthy, to send her to Oxford in 1320. Despite her warnings, Kivrin returns. however, she immediately falls ill with a fever and delirium. badri, the technique that organizes her trip, also suddenly collapses. Can they prevent the flu from spreading?
#26 – wild swan
celeste of blasis
Wild Swan begins a historical romance trilogy about Alexandria Carrington Falconer and her descendants from 1813 to 1894. After the death of her older sister, Alexandria marries her widower, St. john, to help raise newborn twins. The unlikely couple eventually build a loving marriage and immigrate to the United States. In the new world, readers follow the love stories of Alex and St. John’s children: Blaine, Morgan, Nigel, and Gincie.
#27 – the time traveler’s wife
audrey niffenegger
Audrey Niffenegger’s debut novel features Henry Detamble, a Chicago librarian with a genetic disorder that causes him to travel through time erratically. He meets and instantly falls in love with Clare, a sculptor. they develop a close relationship and marry. Clare longs to have a child, but chrono-deterioration results in six miscarriages. Overwhelmed with grief and frustration over Henry’s frequent absences, Clare must determine if her love is worth it.
#28 – intertwine
nichole truck
the house of oak series begins with this novel about emme wilde, a young woman who has no luck in love. When she finds an old locket, Emme is spellbound by the portrait of an unknown man inside. Determined to discover her story, she travels to England. Meanwhile, in 1812, James Knight has given up love and the Shakespearean drama of it. but then a mysterious wounded emme shows up on her property.
#29 – legacy
jeanette baker
Professor Christina Murray is delighted to have inherited her family’s ancestral Scottish home. arriving at traquair house, she is greeted by her stunning neighbor ian douglas. As their relationship blossoms, Ella Christina dreams of three black-haired women: Katrine, Jeanne and Mairi. she discovers that they are her ancestors and they were all victims of the house’s mystical curse. Loving Ian could cost Christina her heart and her life.
#30 – true to the highlander
barbara longley
alethia goodsky is an ordinary woman who works at the new york renaissance festival. that’s where she meets a mysterious fortune teller who transports her back to the fifteenth century. In 1423, Malcolm of Clan Mackintosh awakens the girl. Suddenly, Alethia finds herself embroiled in a bloodthirsty rivalry as Scottish nobles vie for King James’s throne. she is forced to choose between leaving the violent land and staying true to the highlander of hers.
#31 – relatives
eighth butler
Kindred is a highly popular neo-slave narrative about Dana Franklin, a modern African-American woman living in California in 1976. While celebrating her 26th birthday with her husband Kevin, a white writer, she is suddenly kidnapped. Dana is transported to a pre-civil war plantation in pre-civil war maryland. She is initially summoned to save Rufus, the son of brutal slave owner Tom Weylin. but dana continues to be called and entangled in the life of slavery.
#32 – the hypnotist
pam mccutcheon
The night before her wedding, Gina Charles finds her fiancé in a compromising position with the maid of honor. Heartbroken, she runs away and seeks solitude in a Victorian hotel in Hope Springs, Virginia. the only problem is that her room is haunted. Gina meets Drake Manton, a surprising ghost trapped in the afterlife. He convinces Gina to travel back to 1883 in hopes of avoiding her fiery death.
#33 – the midnight witch
paula brackston
Lady Lilith Montgomery, the daughter of the Duke of Radnor, is engaged to England’s most eligible bachelor. life is good until everything goes sour. the unexpected death of her father leaves her as the head witch of the lazarus coven. Lilith must unearth her necromancy skills and help defeat powerful sorcerers called Sentinels. but she then she meets a middle class artist named bram. Lilith is faced with deciding between love and loyalty to her coven.
#34 – the impossible lives of greta wells
andrew sean greer
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Andrew Sean Greer’s novel features Greta Wells living in 1985 Greenwich Village. she has just learned of the death of her beloved twin brother from AIDS. unable to cope, her psychiatrist suggests she undergo electroshock treatments. Somehow the therapy jolts Greta into different lives. In 1918, she is a Bohemian adulteress having an affair with Leo. In 1941, she is married to Nathan and has a son. What life will she choose?
#35 – irish lady
jeanette baker
irish lady is another of jeanette baker’s books as outlander. This romantic story centers on Meghann McCarthy, a posh lawyer in London. she has finally left the slums of belfast behind. However, her former lover, Michael, needs her help to fight an absurd murder charge. Meghann finds herself digging deeper into her case. Suddenly, she’s unraveling a centuries-old mystery. The stakes are rising, but Meghann swears the Irish never give up.
#36 – the winter sea
susana kearsley
bestselling author carrie mclelland has the perfect idea for her next novel. She so she rents a cottage on Crude Bay, near Scotland’s famous murdered castle, to investigate. She is eager to write about the Jacobite Rising of 1708 when the exiled King James tried to recapture the crown. But Ella Carrie discovers that her novel seems more like fact than fiction. she discovers that she is channeling her ancient memory and uncovering centuries-old secrets that could destroy her.
#37 – the beach house
daphne dumaurier
Magnus Lane, a London chemist, has created an enchanting potion that allows time travel to the 14th century. when he stays at his house in kilmarth, magnus’s friend richard drinks the potion. Moments later, he is teleported to an old Cornish mansion. he finds emotional solace with a woman trapped in a loveless marriage. but when he tries to intervene, the terrible consequences reverberate in the present.
#38 – the dangerous gard
isabel maria pope
Awarded the Newbery Prize in 1975, this novel takes place in mid-16th century England. Kate Sutton, a maid of honor, is inadvertently exiled by Queen Mary Tudor. She is sent to a remote castle called Elvenwood Hall. Upon her arrival, mysterious events lead Kate to discover an underground kingdom of fairies. She also meets Christopher Heron and interrupts her plan to sacrifice himself to save her niece Cecily from the fairies.
#39 – in the world of highlanders
samantha loyal
samantha loyal’s short story features gwen, a modern woman in distress cheated on by her cheating boyfriend. broke, she is forced to move into a destitute apartment. Beneath the crumbling floorboards, she discovers an ancient sword. One touch transports her back to Scotland, where she meets the dazzling Andrew Urquhart, a Highlander determined to protect the land of her Clan. Her intense passion makes Gwen wonder if she’s where she’s always belonged.
#40 – the immortal descendants
white April
Starting with marking time, this four-part book series as an outsider revolves around 17-year-old saira elian. One day, an old graffiti tag on a London Underground station sends Saira back to 19th-century Victorian England. here he meets archer, a charming young man who explains to him the existence of immortals. Saira discovers that he is a descendant of time just before his mother mysteriously disappears and the clock starts ticking.
#41 – lost in the highlands
lorraine beaumont
Lost in the Highlands is an interactive time travel romance written by number one bestselling author Lorraine Beaumont. Readers will meet Paige Walsh, a modern-day North Carolina woman who attends the annual Highland Games at Grandpa’s Mountain. she here she meets a gypsy and wishes to meet a hunky mountain man. Somehow, her wish comes true and she’s back in 12th century Scotland with a whole clan of highlanders.
#42 – beautiful shipwreck
larisa brown
beautiful shipwreck opens in a bleak 22nd century ireland based on virtual reality. ginn, a young programmer, designs role-playing games for aspiring vikings. But suddenly one of her projects fails and she is stranded in 10th century iceland. Ginn is found by Heirik, a leader of a Viking clan facing a terrible curse. Despite the forces rising to separate them, Ginn finds her home in Heirik’s heart.
#43 – human croquet
kate atkinson
Isobel Fairfax is a typical teenage girl growing up in a 1960s London suburb. Except her parents suddenly disappear, leaving her and her brother Charles with their sour Aunt Vinny. Isobel discovers that Ella’s ancestral home in Lythe was built on an original mansion that burned down in 1605. During Ella’s explorations, she suddenly finds herself trapped in a Shakespearean time warp. Isobel discovers shocking past truths that could destroy her family’s future.
#44 – a dance through time
lynn kurland
Elizabeth Smith, a writer living in 1996 New York City, finds herself stuck with a stagnant career and an uncaring fiancé. her only joy comes from her unpublished romance novels. until a tough Scottish warrior starts calling out to her. She is transported from a Gramercy park bench to 1311 outside James Macleod’s castle. Elizabeth instantly recognizes the arrogant laird’s voice, but can she cross the threshold of his fortress?
#45 – out of time
monique martin
Professor Simon Cross has dedicated his scientific career to finding evidence for the existence of vampires. When an experiment goes wrong, Simon and his assistant, Elizabeth West, are teleported back to 1920s Manhattan. here they find immortal demons vying for the power and evidence he has always wanted. But now the town’s vampirist kingpin sets his dark gaze on Elizabeth. Simon must admit that he, too, found the love he never expected.
#46 – veil of time
clara r. mcdougall
Inspired by books like Outlander, Veil of Time is about Maggie, a divorced woman who retires to a Scottish country house. she is epileptic and relies on medication to cure her seizures. So when she suddenly wakes up in 8th century dunadd, Maggie blames drugs. But she has actually traveled through time and has come into the arms of Fergus, the king’s brother. As they get closer, Maggie is torn between the current demands and her heart.
#47 – hemlock
nj layouni
After her despicable ex-boyfriend dumps her, Martha Bigalow runs away to the English Lake District. On a hike, Martha tries to cross ancient steps and falls into a raging river. She jumps awake in a cave with a surprisingly handsome stranger named Vadim. Soon, Ella Martha discovers that she has left the 21st century behind for the medieval age. As she dodges the evil earl and his minions, Martha wonders if she can entrust her heart to Vadim.
#48 – beyond the mist of the highlands
karen marie moning
Karen Marie Moning’s first novel focuses on the Falcon, a legendary battlefield warrior. the arrogant Scottish laird never refuses a woman’s touch. but no one has ever reached the cold heart of him. That is until a resentful fairy takes Adrienne de Simone from present-day Seattle to the medieval highlands. Despite being forced to marry Hawk, Adrienne vows to keep her distance from her. How long will the resolution of her hold?
#49 – knight errant
rodrigo garcia and robertson
Robyn Stafford, an up-and-coming American executive, flies to London to surprise her boyfriend for his birthday. only she is received by his wife. While she nurses her broken heart, Robyn crosses the Welsh border. she here she runs into a handsome knight on horseback. She calls herself Edward Plantagenet and proclaims that it is 1459. Robyn doesn’t buy it until three hostile, armed knights arrive and she is drawn into the conflict.
#50 – lady in the hay: two women, eight hundred years old, and the fate they share
barbara erskine
Jo Clifford, a college journalism student, is involved in a research project on hypnotic regression. While she is mesmerized, she is immersed in the life of Matilda, the Lady in the Hay, in 13th-century Wales. She sees snippets of Matilda’s loveless marriage and troubled love for Richard. Unfortunately, Jo also sees Matilda’s near death after King John’s brutal treatment. Will he be able to shake off the iron fist of history?
If you’re still in love with Jamie, go through time with these top 50 books as an outsider and start falling in love with your next literary boyfriend.
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