11 Entertaining Novels By California Women

From John Steinbeck to Joan Didion, many great novelists throughout history have called California home. Whether you're a Golden State native yourself, or just a reader looking for an entertaining book, you'll certainly enjoy these eleven wonderful novels. The books on this list cover everything from romance to family drama. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

11 Entertaining Novels By California Women

Title Author More by the Author
1. Commonwealth Ann Patchett State of Wonder Taft
2. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet Becky Chambers A Closed and Common Orbit Record of a Spaceborn Few
3. Something Real Heather Demetrios I'll Meet You There Bad Romance
4. Closer Mary Elizabeth Sever Innocents
5. The Evaporation of Sofi Snow Mary Weber Reclaiming Shilo Snow Storm Siren
6. Savaged Dreams Jennifer Lyon Savaged Vows Blood Magic
7. What's Become of Her Deb Caletti He's Gone Honey, Baby, Sweetheart
8. Fall for Me J.C. Emery Ride Thrash
9. Cole Megan O'Brien Sal Axel
10. Kingpin Roxy Sloane The Seduction The Bargain
11. Far from the Tree Robin Benway Emmy & Oliver Also Known As

Cities & Towns in California

The state is home to many famous places, from the sunny beaches in the south to the arid deserts in the east. Here are the ten largest cities and towns in California:

Rank Name Population (as of 2010)
1. Los Angeles 3,976,322
2. San Diego 1,406,630
3. San Jose 1,025,350
4. San Francisco 870,887
5. Fresno 522,053
6. Sacramento 495,234
7. Long Beach 470,130
8. Oakland 420,005
9. Bakersfield 376,380
10. Anaheim 351,043

Famous California Landmarks

If you're ever planning a road trip through the state, don't miss these awesome sights & attractions:

  1. Disneyland
  2. Yosemite Valley
  3. The Golden Gate Bridge
  4. Alcatraz Island
  5. Santa Monica Pier
  6. The Hollywood Sign
  7. Balboa Park

The History of the California Gold Rush

In Depth

From the warm weather to the beautiful landscape, California is a place full of inspiration for writers. It is no wonder that some of the world's best novelists were born or have settled there. In no particular order, here are eleven books written by talented female authors from The Golden State.

At the #1 spot is "Commonwealth" by award-winning author Ann Patchett. A story set over five decades, this novel features the lives of two families brought together by an adulterous affair that started one fateful afternoon in Los Angeles. The plot moves non-linearly through time, jumping between the six Keating-Cousins children and their four parents. This book explores the joys and pains of family life, betrayal, revenge, and forgiveness.

Coming in at #2 is "The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet." This novel tells the story of Rosemary Harper, a self-absorbed young woman who joins the crew of an old spaceship called the Wayfarer to get away from home. She becomes part of a special mission to travel through space to a distant planet. Throughout the journey, the main character realizes many things, including the importance of family. Written by Becky Chambers, this is an ideal read for fans of science fiction.

This novel tells the story of Rosemary Harper, a self-absorbed young woman who joins the crew of an old spaceship called the Wayfarer to get away from home.

Taking the #3 spot is "Something Real" by Heather Demetrios, author of several critically acclaimed young adult novels. The main character s a seventeen-year-old reality TV star named Bonnie Baker. Her show, "Baker's Dozen," features Bonnie and her siblings, but was cancelled after her suicide attempt. Now out of the spotlight, she tries to live a normal life and is beginning to love it. However, her mom wants her back on the show's second season, crashing Bonnie's dreams of staying in the new world she has built for herself.

At #4 is "Closer," an enthralling, intense, and romantic read that follows the complicated, seven-year relationship of Gabriella and Teller. They met when they were both pre-med students who were damaged and misunderstood. Despite their flaws, the chemistry between them is irresistible. This novel by Mary Elizabeth describes a chaotic love affair between two young people who are toxic for each other, but also crazily perfect partners.

Coming in at #5 is "The Evaporation of Sofi Snow." This science fiction novel by multiple-award-winning author Mary Weber is written for the young adult audience. It stars Sofi, an online gamer who is devoted to protecting her brother Shilo, a warrior in a mix of real and virtual blood sport. When a bomb explodes in the gaming arena, Sofi relies on Miguel, a charming young ambassador to an ice planet, to help her find her missing sibling.

When a bomb explodes in the gaming arena, Sofi relies on Miguel, a charming young ambassador to an ice planet, to help her find her missing sibling.

Next, at #6 is "Savaged Dreams" by bestselling author Jennifer Lyon. The plot centers on the life of Liza Glasner, a college student with a troubled past. She becomes the publicist for a band during her internship and soon falls for rock star Justice Cade. As the pages are turned, the situation gets more and more complicated. Liz is not good for the band's PR, but Justice wants to keep her around.

At the #7 spot is "What's Become of Her." Authored by National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti, this is a story of love and suspicion. It explores the life of a recently divorced woman named Isabelle Austen. Upon returning to her hometown following her mother's death, she meets Henry North who turns her world upside down. He makes her want to be in a relationship again, but she soon realizes that Henry's past is dark and disturbing. Now, Isabelle's second chance at romance is stained by paranoia.

Coming in at #8 is "Fall for Me," the first book in the Ladder Company series by JC Emery. Main characters Jameson and Melanie are both feisty and stubborn. He is a firefighter and she is a college senior home for the summer. They instantly develop a connection when they meet during a charity benefit, but many factors are standing in the way of their relationship. As the story progresses, they deal with several issues, including Jameson's jealous girlfriend and a playboy arsonist who is stalking Mel.

They instantly develop a connection when they meet during a charity benefit, but many factors are standing in the way of their relationship.

Taking the #9 spot is Megan O'Brien's first installment in "The Ride" series, "Cole." The book focuses on Cole's life as the vice president of a motorcycle club. His love interest, Scarlet, grew up in an MC, but is trying to get away from that kind of world. However, the chemistry between the two is inevitable. Together, they try to overcome the issues that test their complicated relationship. This is a compelling story that will entertain readers to the very end.

Next, at #10 is "Kingpin," the first installment in a two-book series by Roxy Sloane. This romantic suspense novel tells the story of Nicole, who moves to Miami to look for answers following her brother's death. She did not expect to meet Xavier, the handsome billionaire who has his eyes set on her. She sees him as a mere distraction at first, but the attraction between them soon becomes intense. As their complicated romance develops, dark secrets are unraveled.

Finally, at #11 is "Far from the Tree." Robin Benway's novel follows Grace, who was adopted at birth. Her interest in finding her biological family starts when she gives up her own baby for adoption while still in high school. She soon finds her two siblings: Maya, who was also adopted, and Joaquin who grew up in several foster homes. This is an emotional read that explores how abandonment and betrayal can affect many lives.