Books for the grown-up "Anne fans"

Over on my Instagram page, I did a poll asking my readers what book list they wanted me to write up for them next—and overwhelmingly (75% overwhelmingly), the answer was "Books for grown-up fans of ​Anne of Green Gables." 
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I get it. I'm a die-hard Anne fan myself, and sometimes I don't want just any book. I want a book with heart and hope, with quirky characters and whimsical plots. Atmosphere is a must. A happy ending is a given. 

Here, then are a dozen books and/or authors to get you through the next time that you're in the mood for something like Anne, but different. (And I'm presuming that you already read all of LMM's oeuvre, right? Because The Blue Castle ​is one of the best books ever written.)

"Our library isn't very extensive," said Anne. "But every book in it is a friend."
-L. M. Montgomery, in Anne's House of Dreams

1. Books by Elizabeth Gaskell, especially Cranford. Have you heard Sarah Mackenzie's term "reading upstream" from books you love? If you want to read upstream to find the books and authors that influenced L. M. Montgomery, you can take many different little streams and rivers and tributaries. But I prefer to read one of Maud's favorite authors, Elizabeth Gaskell. Cranford  is the most Montgomery-esque of her books, with a small town setting, second chances at love, and many hilarious characters and anecdotes. 
2. Miss Buncle's Book, and other books by D. E. Stevenson. Small town setting, quirky characters galore, sweet and funny romance. For the days you need to curl up with something easy.
3. Books by Elizabeth Goudge. I'm currently in the middle of The Bird in the Tree, and I'm struck by how much Goudge's insightful character description and perfect dialogue remind me of LMM. I've only read four of her books, and they have very different feels from one to the next, but that quality of characterization and a deep love for children and nature are always present.
4. I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith. Fun, quirky, and atmospheric. Complicated and deep emotions. And it's set in a castle, which LMM would have loved.
5. ​Emily of Deep Valley, by Maud Hart Lovelace. This is one of two books on this list not written for adults, but it's such a perfect fit for anyone who loves Anne, and I haven't met a single adult to read it who didn't love it. I discovered it in my twenties, and it turned out to be the perfect first time to read this lovely story about being true to oneself as well as force for good in the world…all with humor and heart and small town life.
6. Daddy-Long-Legs, by Jean Webster. Another written for teens that is a must read for Anne fans. This epistolary about a girl's college experience and falling in love in the early 1900's reminded me so much of Anne of the Island. It was published in 1912, making me wonder whether Maud may have actually been inspired by it!
7. Anything by Jane Austen, because…Jane Austen. She was deeply influential on Maud's writing and her life. And she's wonderful.
8. Mrs. Mike, by Benedict and Nancy Freedman. This story of a Boston girl who falls in love with a Canadian mountie and makes her life in the hard world of Northern Canada is one of my favorite romantic stories of all time. At the same time, it is deeply profound. I can say honestly that my marriage is better for having read this book and considered its themes.
9. Finally, a few modern reads that I have found to be popular with this lovely crowd of LMM fans. First, for its quirky old ladies, unlikely love story, and rich setting: The Funeral Ladies of Ellery County, by Claire Swinarski. Some sensitive readers have been put off by the harsher language and alcohol use. I certainly recommend it for adults, not teens. But it's tremendously well-written, deeply moving, and very funny.
10. For historical fiction fans: The Last Bookshop in London, by Madeline Martin. Set in WWII England; sweet romance; low-stress read despite the wartime setting.
11. For fans of older time periods (historical fiction that Anne herself might have enjoyed): In Pieces, by Rhonda Ortiz. Set in late 18th century America, my favorite part of this romantic novel is the delightful banter between the main character and her best frenemy turned love interest. Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley vibes for sure.
12. For lovers of fantasy and a vintage book feel: Once a Queen, by Sarah Arthur. A delightful modern fairy tale that struck me as equal parts LMM, C. S. Lewis, and Madeleine L'Engle.

I hope you find a new book on this list to read and love!