For similar love stories with a strong sense of place:
* Jojo Moyes: Her books, like "Me Before You" and "The Giver of Stars," often feature strong female characters navigating complex relationships and facing challenging circumstances, much like Sparks' novels.
* Kristin Hannah: Her stories, such as "The Nightingale" and "The Great Alone," blend romance with historical settings and themes of family and resilience.
* Colleen Hoover: Known for her contemporary romances, Hoover's books, like "It Ends with Us" and "Ugly Love," delve into passionate relationships and emotional turmoil.
* Danielle Steel: A master of romance, Steel's novels often explore themes of love, loss, and family, often set against glamorous backdrops.
* Debbie Macomber: Similar to Sparks, Macomber focuses on heartwarming stories about finding love and family in small towns, as seen in her "Cedar Cove" series.
For stories with a touch of mystery and suspense:
* John Green: His novels, like "The Fault in Our Stars" and "Looking for Alaska," blend love with a touch of melancholy and existential themes.
* Jenny Lawson: Her humorous and insightful memoirs, like "Let's Pretend This Never Happened," touch on themes of love, family, and finding humor in the face of adversity.
* Gail Honeyman: "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" is a heartwarming and funny story about an unconventional woman who finds unexpected love and friendship.
For a deeper dive into themes of grief and loss:
* Mitch Albom: His books, like "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," explore themes of death, loss, and finding meaning in life.
* Celeste Ng: Her novel "Everything I Never Told You" deals with grief, family secrets, and the complexities of identity.
For authors who offer different perspectives on love and relationships:
* Emily St. John Mandel: While not strictly romance, her novels, like "Station Eleven," explore human connection in the face of dystopian realities, offering a unique perspective on love and relationships.
* Hanya Yanagihara: Her novel "A Little Life" is a heartbreaking and emotionally intense story about friendship, love, and resilience.
Remember, finding authors you love is about discovering your own personal preferences. Don't be afraid to explore different genres and styles! You might be surprised by the authors you discover along the way.