Bookworm Cottage Style

I don’t know what it is, but clearly I have an appreciation for aging on my mind. I love when I come across a character who genuinely makes me excited to grow older. Someone with gumption and wisdom and a clear set of values. While not all of these characters are old old, they are all 50+ give or take and continue to grow personally during their second act. Most of these books are fiction reads, but I’ve also included a couple of memoirs of women reflecting on a transformational experience that occurred later in life. I’ve recommended most of these before, and as always, I have personally read and would recommend every book on this list.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (448 pages; 2023) // This was one of my favorite books last year. The main character, Martha Ballard, is a badass middle-aged woman working as a midwife in Maine during the late 1700s. Inspired by real people and real events, the story follows a murder case that Martha gets tangled up in as she searches for answers and justice. Martha is just an incredible character — so much gumption and self assuredness — the type of character that makes me excited to grow older and wiser.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto (2023; 352 pages) // This book is a delightfully cozy mystery about an elderly Asian woman who takes it upon herself to solve a local murder. A lovely story of friendship, found family, and purpose. Highly recommend for fans of The Thursday Murder Club series!

Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life by Delia Ephron (2023; 304 pages) // This is an absolutely lovely memoir written by romantic comedy writer Delia Ephron (sister of Nora Ephron) about becoming widowed, finding love again later in life, and facing cancer. It’s giving Between Two Kingdoms meets When Harry Met Sally. 

The Salt Path by Raynor Winn (2019; 288 pages) // Days after Raynor’s husband, Moth, was diagnosed with a terminal illness, Raynor and Moth lost their home and all of their money in a business deal gone wrong. Facing homelessness, Raynor and Moth decide to put one foot in front of the other and walk 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset along the sea-swept South West Coast Path in England. This incredible memoir details their journey and resilience. If you liked Wild, you’ll love this book.

Celine by Peter Heller (2017; 352 pages)  // This mystery novel is about an elegant older woman detective who is investigating the mysterious disappearance of a photographer in Yellowstone National Park. It is fun and suspenseful (though never too scary) with an incredible setting. I hope to read more of Peter Heller’s other eco-mysteries soon!

Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark (2022; 592 pages)  // Fellowship Point is a really lovely book that encompasses so many of my favorite things in literature: strong friendships; smart, ambitious women; multi-decade timelines; an appreciation for nature; and hints of suspense. The protagonist, Agnes Lee, is an elderly woman with a Jo March level of gumption and self assuredness that I absolutely adored. 

Who are some of your favorite older women characters in books? Which books would you add to this list?