Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

Please help me to keep my disabled sister supplied with books. She is age 60, former elementary/Special-Ed teacher, now mentally disabled. She's read everything by Danielle Steel. We’re desperate to find other similar author(s).

Local librarians provided the following, all rejected by my selective sister: Barbara Delinsky, Diana Palmer, Fern Michaels, Mary Higgins Clark, Susan Mallery, Robyn Carr, Jude Deveraux, and Katie Forde.

Following are qualities my sister requires (and why she loves D. Steel):
- Clean romance (can be read aloud to family without embarrassment).
- Emphasis on family ties (value of family relationships)
- Short and sweet writing style (sister now has mind of a fifth grader).
- Simple vocabulary (she has very limited vocabulary).
- Consistent theme whereby tragedy and adversity are met with resilience, resulting in a happy ending (not my sister's words, but what she loves).
- Prefers main characters from the United States.
- Prefers adult characters (so, a young-adult author is probably not suitable).
- NOT suspense or mystery genre.

It's tough to solicit specific turn-offs, but, so far: My sister disliked a setting of a horse ranch. This will be updated as I learn more.

Thanks!

I've not read Danielle Steel, but the qualities you listed make me think of Debbie Macomber.

Thank you. I've seen D. Macomber cited as Steel-similar, but I wasn't sure about the specific qualities I listed. Now I'm eager to explore her work, based on your investment of time. Thanks again.

You're very welcome. Hope you and your sister enjoy!

Nora Roberts contemporary romances, but not her romantic suspense or fantasy books. Her older Silhouette romances should work as well.

I thought if Nora Roberts as well .. does your sister mind rereading her favorites nothing wrong with going back to what she loves it it’s still enjoyable to her. Does she read on her own or like to be read to. I was also going to suggest audio as a great option if she prefers it that way. You are a good sister to find her what she is looking for.

I am not much of a romance buff so not a great resource but thinking something historical might lend itself to the more pg 13 love stories.

What about little women?

What about Nicholas Sparks? I've read most of his books.