9 Essential Northeastern U.S. Novels By Boston Authors

9 Essential Northeastern U.S. Novels By Boston Authors

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In Depth

Over the years, countless stories have been set in the Northeastern United States, highlighting the region's luscious landscapes, four distinct seasons, and small towns filled with endless tales. Many of these literary works have also gone on to earn prestigious awards, and become recognized as bestsellers. In no particular order, here are nine remarkable novels by Boston authors that bring out the beauty and complexity of these states and commonwealths.

#1. "The Saturday Evening Girls Club" by Jane Healey. A beautiful plot centered on female empowerment, this book follows four immigrant women who stay together despite their personal struggles. In the North End of Boston, Caprice, Ada, Maria, and Thea successfully eschew societal norms by earning their own money, taking college courses, and more.

#2. "The Salt House" by Lisa Duffy. This web of emotional layers creates a complex yet relatable portrait of a family that wants to move on from a painful loss. Following the death of their youngest daughter, Jack and Hope Kelly of Alden, Maine are struggling to continue with their lives.

Following the death of their youngest daughter, Jack and Hope Kelly of Alden, Maine are struggling to continue with their lives.

As they attempt to save their collapsing marriage and care for their other two daughters, their growing business and fishing territory are threatened by Jack's former rivals. This heart-wrenching tale will capture your attention with its memorable lessons on love, loss, and forgiveness.

#3. "And the Dark Sacred Night" by Julia Glass. This remarkable novel revolves around Kit Noonan's endeavors as he faces the mysterious truth about his past. As the art historian begins to search for his biological father with the help of his stepdad, he is led to Fenno McLeod, the well-loved lead character of the author's bestselling novel, "Three Junes." Covering superb locations from Vermont to Massachusetts, this highly detailed story offers a fresh perspective on family, forgiveness, and identity.

#4. "Rules of Civility" by Amor Towles. Set in Manhattan during the post-Depression era, this intricate tale highlights a young woman's journey to becoming one of New York's elite. After Katey Kontent meets banker Tinker Grey, she is thrust unexpectedly into the city's upper ranks. This brilliant representation of social echelons will easily appeal to readers as Katey braces herself to face the demands of the privileged world.

This brilliant representation of social echelons will easily appeal to readers as Katey braces herself to face the demands of the privileged world.

#5. "Not You It's Me" by Julie Johnson. This moving romance novel offers powerful insights into dating and relationships. With the author's comedic take on meeting strangers and going out with a billionaire, fans will follow Gemma Summers' journey as she crosses paths with one of Boston's most eligible bachelors, Chase Croft. Thanks to one unexpected kiss, they fall head over heels for each other. However, both of them have been broken in the past and their well-kept secrets are putting them at risk.

#6. "Sweet Lamb of Heaven" by Lydia Millet combines psychological horror and thriller as young mother Anna runs away from her unfaithful husband, Ned. As she and their daughter get chased by the aspiring politician, the tension rises. The author smoothly blends ethical themes about human bonds with a fast-paced, gripping plot.

#7. "The Gates of Evangeline" by Hester Young. This thriller follows Charlotte "Charlie" Cates, a journalist from New York. Grieving for her child who recently died, she experiences strange dreams about kids in danger. The tough yet vulnerable mother finds herself involved in a case about a missing child from the wealthy Deveau family of Louisiana.

The tough yet vulnerable mother finds herself involved in a case about a missing child from the wealthy Deveau family of Louisiana.

As she heads south, she reveals long-forgotten secrets of love, betrayal, and murder, and develops an unexpected romance with Noah Palmer, a landscape architect. The author flawlessly pours human elements, including grief and healing, into a chilling and compelling mystery.

#8. "Brighton" by Michael Harvey. A carefully crafted thriller, this riveting novel is centered on two friends who grow up in Boston and must deal with the consequences of their actions amid multiple murders. Protecting each other and the secrets they have long buried, Kevin and Bobby are in for a dark ride.

#9. "Rush Me" by Allison Parr. In her debut novel, the author captures the essence of young adult romance after post-grad Rachael Hamilton accidentally meets well-loved NFL quarterback Ryan Carter. As they get to know each other more over brunches and galas, both are astonished at how much they are well-matched.

As they get to know each other more over brunches and galas, both are astonished at how much they are well-matched.

However, finding real love and being committed to Ryan will force Rachael to face past issues she has been trying to forget. This captivating tale puts together the naivety of young love with the mounting responsibilities of adulthood, making for a highly entertaining read.