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Reading is one of the best ways to escape reality and explore new worlds. If you're looking for a good book, few authors can compare to Nora Roberts. For over three decades, Roberts has been writing captivating stories that keep readers coming back for more.
As a teenager, I discovered the Nora Roberts’ books brings a need to understand and devour the characters. I enjoyed being engrossed in her stories., and to this day, she is one of my favorite authors.
I always find her books to be romantic, suspenseful, and thoroughly entertaining. She is a master of creating characters that you can’t help but fall in love with and plots that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Before we dig into the best Nora Roberts Books list, let's find out who she is.
Who is Nora Roberts?
You may have seen her name before and not realized it. She writes under several pen names, including J.D. Robb, Jill March, and Sarah Hardesty. She was born in Maryland in 1950 and is one of the most popular authors of our time. In 1979, she sold her first book, Irish Thoroughbred, under the pseudonym Nora Roberts. It wasn’t until 1981 that she published her first book, Playing the Odds.
As of now, she has published a total of 209 novels., most of which have been bestsellers. Roberts has also won many awards for her work, including the prestigious RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America (which she has won twelve times). Nora Roberts is considered one of the genre's greatest influences, which may be why the Romance Writers of America gave her a lifetime achievement award.
Over 400 million copies of her books are in print, including 12 million copies in the last year alone. She has been translated into over 30 languages, winning numerous accolades, and has fans worldwide.
Nora Roberts's books bring a touch of positivity and hope, even in the darkest of times. In a world with so much darkness and hopelessness, it’s nice to know that there are authors like her who can transport us into a world of love and happiness.
Nora is a romance author but also dabbles in other genres, including mystery, sci-fi, and suspense. No matter what genre she writes in, her stories always seem to have a touch of romance.
10 Best Nora Roberts Books
You must be wondering, with over 209 books published, which are the best Nora Roberts books? I’ve read many Nora Roberts books, and while all are excellent, some stand out above the rest.
If you're a fan of heartwarming romance novels with a touch of suspense, then you'll love some of the Best Nora Roberts Books. These are some of her most excellent novels that are sure to keep you entertained from start to finish. So, curl up in your cozy spot and enjoy one (or all) of these great reads! You won't be disappointed.
Here are my selections of the Best Nora Roberts novels:
The Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1
"Roberts begins a new trilogy of adventure, romance, and magick in The Awakening."
1. The Awakening: The Dragon Heart Legacy Book 1 - Top Selling Nora Roberts Book
The Awakening is the first book in The Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy. In this novel, readers are transported to the realm of Talamh, where a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword. This magical weapon gives Keegan the power to protect the Fey but also comes with great responsibility.
Meanwhile, in another realm known as Philadelphia, Breen Kelly, a young woman, learns that she has inherited a large sum of money from her father, whom she never knew existed. With this newfound fortune, Breen decides to travel to Ireland. Once there, she quickly realizes that her destiny is linked to Keegan and the magical world of Talamh.
The Awakening is an exciting and well-written novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and romance. Roberts' descriptive prose brings the two worlds to life, and the characters are both likable and relatable. The story is fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. Overall, The Awakening is one of the best Nora Roberts trilogies.
Jewels of the Sun: The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy (Irish Trilogy
"Jewels of the Sun is a heartwarming story of two people finding love in the most unlikely places."
2. Jewels of the Sun: The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy (Irish Trilogy, Book 1)
Nora is a best-selling author who always delivers a satisfying read. In Jewels of the Sun, the first book in her Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy, Roberts weaves a tale of hope, magic, and love.
Jude Murray flees America to take refuge in Faerie Hill Cottage in Ireland. There she hopes to find peace and solace while she studies Irish folklore. And she does find peace, but also so much more. She meets Aidan Gallagher, the owner of the local pub and a man who knows the legends of the land like no other.
Aidan is a man who has seen the world and is now content to be back home in Ireland. He is drawn to Jude Murray and her innocence. As they get to know each other, Aidan begins to share the legends of the land with her. And in doing so, they create a passionate history of their own.
Jewels of the Sun is a heartwarming story of two people finding love in the most unlikely places. Roberts' trademark style of writing engages the reader from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end. It's a book that you'll retain for a long time after reading it.
Dance upon the Air
In Dance upon the Air, the first book in her Three Sisters Island trilogy, Roberts weaves a tale of friendship, fate, and love.
3. Dance upon the Air (Three Sisters Island Trilogy)
Nora is a bestselling author who always delivers a satisfying read. In Dance upon the Air, the first book in her charming Three Sisters Island trilogy, Roberts weaves a tale of friendship, fate, and love.
Nell Channing escapes to Three Sisters Island to escape her abusive husband. She accepts a position as head cook at the local bookstore café, where she begins to examine her feelings for the island sheriff, Zack Todd. But Nell is keeping a secret - She is descended from the three sisters, witches who settled the island in 1692. And now, she must find the power to save her home, her love Zack Todd, and herself.
Dance upon the Air is a heartwarming story of love and redemption. Roberts' trademark style of writing engages the reader from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end.
Under Currents
"For both Zane and Darby, their small-town roots hold a terrible secret. Now, decades later, they've come together to build a new life. But will the past set them free or pull them under? Find out in Under Currents from number-one New York Times best-selling author Nora Roberts."
4. Under Currents: A Novel
Under Currents is a gripping novel by Nora that tells the story of two people haunted by their pasts. Zane Bigelow is a successful surgeon hiding a dark secret from his childhood. Darby McCormick is a gifted artist on the run from her demons.
The two meet and quickly form a bond, which is tested by the secrets they are both hiding. Under Currents is a fast-paced and suspenseful read that keeps you guessing until the end.
Roberts does an excellent job of creating believable and sympathetic characters. Zane and Darby are both complex and damaged people struggling to find their way in life. The supporting cast is also well-developed and adds depth to the story.
You must read this book! It's one of the best Nora Roberts books I've read in a long time. If you're a fan of Nora or suspenseful novels, then you'll love Under Currents.
Black Hills
"Roberts takes listeners deep into the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, where the shadows keep secrets, hunters stalk the land, and a childhood friendship matures into an adult passion."
5. Black Hills
The Black Hills is a gripping novel that takes readers on a suspenseful journey into the rugged hills of South Dakota. The story centers around Cooper Sullivan and Lil Chance, two childhood friends who have been reunited after twelve years apart. Coop and Lil are determined to protect the wildlife in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Still, they soon find themselves targeted by a killer with a twisted agenda.
Roberts does an excellent job of creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, and the characters are believable and likable. The plot is well-paced and kept me guessing until the very end. Black Hills is worth checking out if you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers.
If you're looking for a heart-pounding read, this book should be at the top of your list. Nora has crafted a suspenseful and thrilling novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
6. Shelter in Place
In "Shelter in Place," Roberts tackles the topic of gun violence, telling the story of a mass shooting at a shopping mall and its aftermath.
The book focuses on three survivors of the shooting and how they each deal with the trauma in different ways. One becomes a law enforcement officer, turns to art as a form of therapy, and is still haunted by the events of that day.
The book is well-written and compulsively readable, as Roberts always is. It's a moving story about the resilience of the human spirit and how even the darkest days can eventually give way to hope.
This book is a fantastic read that will appeal to anybody interested in thinking about the world around them.
7. Tribute
Roberts is a prolific author, with more than 200 titles. While she writes across several genres, she is perhaps best known for her romances. In "Tribute," Roberts tells the story of Cilla McGowan, a former child star who has returned to her grandmother's Virginia farmhouse, where her film star grandma lived, to renovate it.
Cilla is busy with the project, but she can't help but notice her attractive neighbor, Ford Sawyer. Though she's determined not to get caught up in a romance as her grandmother did, she can't help but indulge in a little fantasy.
Unfortunately, reality proves to be just as dangerous as Cilla's fantasies. She finds a pile of unsigned letters while snooping around her grandmother's house, alluding to a hidden romance in her life. Still, she soon becomes the target of a violent attack.
Cilla and Ford must work together to determine who is targeting her. "Tribute" is a suspenseful read, but Roberts' trademark romance genre is also present, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable book.
Birthright
"When five-thousand-year-old human bones are found at a construction site in the small town of Woodsboro, the news draws archaeologist Callie Dunbrook out of her sabbatical and into a whirlwind of adventure, danger, and romance."
8. Birthright
Here comes another special Roberts-style novel, Birthright. In a rural community, the story unfolds. Woodsboro, where construction workers uncover human bones dating back 5,000 years. Callie Dunbrook, an archaeologist, is drawn into the investigation, quickly taking on a life of its own.
There are rumors of a curse, strangers claiming to know secrets about Callie's past, and a lot of danger. But there's also romance, as Callie is reunited with her ex-husband Jake.
As always, this masterpiece by Roberts can be enjoyed on many levels. It's a great mystery, with plenty of suspense and twists. But it's also a touching story about second chances and the power of love. If you're searching for a fantastic book to read while curled up in bed, Birthright is an excellent choice.
Northern Lights
"As a Baltimore cop, Nate Burke watched his partner die on the street—and the guilt still haunts him. With nowhere else to go, he accepted the job as Chief of Police in a tiny, remote Alaskan town with the hopes of starting over. Despite the name, Lunacy provides a balm for Nate's shattered soul—and an unexpected affair with pilot Meg Galloway warms his nights..."
9. Northern Lights
One of my all-time favorite genres is romance., and Roberts is one of my go-to authors in the category. I was thrilled to stumble across "Northern Lights" while browsing for something new to read.
The book did not disappoint. It's a classic Nora tale with a small-town setting, lovable characters, and a fantasy romance. But it also has a bit of suspense and mystery, which keeps the story interesting and exciting.
I especially enjoyed the characters of Nate and Meg. They're both flawed and damaged individuals struggling to find their way in life. But they're also kind-hearted and loving, and watching them fall in love is both heartwarming and swoon-worthy.
If you're looking for feel-good Nora Roberts romance books with a bit of suspense thrown in, I highly recommend "Northern Lights." You won't be disappointed.
Heaven and Earth
"Ripley Todd's job as a sheriff’s deputy keeps her busy and happy, and she has no trouble finding men when she wants them—which, lately, isn’t all that often. She’s perfectly content, except for one thing: she has special powers that both frighten and confuse her."
10. Heaven and Earth - Three Sisters Island Book 2
If you're a fan of Nora Roberts books, then you'll love "Heaven and Earth." This is the second book in the Trilogy, and it's just as good as the first.
The story centers around a sheriff's deputy Ripley Todd, with special powers that she doesn't understand. When researcher MacAllister Booke comes to town, he's immediately drawn to Ripley and her struggle to come to terms with her abilities.
They get to know each other better over time and start to develop feelings of attraction for each other. But before they can explore it further, they must deal with the pain of their pasts.
"Heaven and Earth" is a captivating story of love, loss, and self-discovery. It is one of the most excellent Nora Roberts books ever.
FAQS:
Are there Nora Roberts audiobooks?
Yes, there are audiobooks available for several of Nora Roberts' novels. Check your local library or online retailers to see which titles are available.
Why does Roberts write as JD Robb?
Roberts writes as JD Robb because she wanted to branch out into writing suspense novels. She chose the name JD Robb because it sounded masculine and wanted her books to appeal to both men and women. Some authors who write similar style novels as Nora Roberts include Debbie Macomber, Jill Shalvis, and Susan Wiggs.
What other series has Nora Roberts written?
Nora Roberts has also written the In Death series as JD Robb, the Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy, the Irish Born Trilogy, and many more.
Does Roberts use ghostwriters?
No, Nora does not use ghostwriters or co-writers. She is the only author credited with her novels.
What is Nora Roberts's best trilogy?
Inn Boonsboro Trilogy is considered one of Nora Roberts's best trilogies. It is a series of three novels set in the fictional town of Boonsboro, Maryland. The trilogy follows the love stories of three couples who find their happily ever afters at the local inn. It includes one of Roberts' books with the theme of home renovation, as the Montgomery brothers give a historic hotel a major makeover, but the architect Beckett has another thing on his mind: reconnecting with Clare Brewster, whom he's had a crush on since his teen years.
What are some other best Nora Roberts books?
Some other best Nora Roberts books include blue dahlia (The first book in The Garden Trilogy), Midnight Bayou, Blood Brothers (1st book of the Sign of Seven Trilogy), Sea Swept (The first novel Chesapeake Bay Saga), and Morrigan's Cross (The first book in The Circle Trilogy), and Born in Fire featuring Margaret Mary, a glass artist.
Vision in White is the first book of the Bride Quartet series. Mac with her childhood friends founded "Vows," a premier wedding planning company. Falling for an English professor Carter Maguire, also the brother of a client, she learns to make her own happy memories, while accepting per past.
The Quinn Brothers, follows the lives of four brothers and their loves on the Chesapeake Bay shores. Cameron is a champion boat racer, whom his father calls home to care for a troubled young boy. All of the novels are New York Times Bestsellers.
Midnight Bayou In this home renovation novel, Declan Fitzgerald works to restore the dilapidated mansion he's obsessed with. As he struggles with the effort, he slowly starts to believe the local legend about the house being haunted.
Montana Sky brings three fantastic tales about three girls in the most special Nora Roberts style. Three sisters and strangers must put their differences aside and live together like family for a year in order to inherit a ranch worth nearly twenty million dollars.
So, what is considered the Best Nora Roberts book?
Many people know Nora Roberts as an excellent novelist who has published several great novels. It's hard to narrow it down to just one, but if I had to choose, I would say Birthright is the best book to begin your Nora Roberts travel. It's a great mix of romance, suspense, and mystery, and the characters are incredibly likable. Birthright is an intriguing read that will have you captivated from the first page.
These are just a few of the best Nora Roberts books. Whether you're looking for a romantic read, a suspenseful thriller, or just a good book to curl up with, you're sure to find something on this list that you'll enjoy. So go ahead and add some of these great books to your reading list today. You won't be disappointed.
Final Thoughts
Nora Roberts is a prolific author who has been writing for over three decades. She is known for her romantic suspense novels, which are always entertaining and keep readers captivated until the end. If you're looking for a good book to escape reality, I highly recommend one of Nora Roberts' novels.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should give you a good starting point if you're looking for something new to read. So, go ahead and add some of these great Nora Roberts books to your reading list today.
