Books like Voicemails for Isabelle

If You Loved Voicemails for Isabelle, Here Are the Romance Books to Read Next

Netflix’s Voicemails for Isabelle isn’t your typical romantic comedy. Yes, there’s a swoony romance and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but at its heart, it’s a story about grief, healing, second chances, and finding love when you’re least expecting it.

The premise is wonderfully unique. After losing her sister, Jill continues leaving voicemails on her sister’s old phone number as a way to stay connected. What she doesn’t realize is that the number has been reassigned to Wes, who slowly falls for the woman on the other end of those heartfelt messages.

It’s emotional, hopeful, and full of quiet moments that remind us love doesn’t erase grief. Sometimes it simply helps us carry it.

If you finished the movie wishing you could bottle that feeling, here are some romance novels that capture many of the same themes.

For Stories About Grief, Healing, and Learning to Love Again

• Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
• The Air He Breathes by Brittainy C. Cherry
• Juniper Hill by Devney Perry
• Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
• Restore Me by J.L. Seegars

For Slow Burn Romance Built on Emotional Connection

• Juniper Hill by Devney Perry
• The Gravity of Us by Brittainy C. Cherry
• The Naked Fisherman by Jewel E. Ann
• Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen

For Food Lovers and Dream Chasers

• Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison
• Bittersweet by Sarina Bowen
• Recipe for Love by Anne Malcom
• The Chocolate Touch by Laura Florand
• The Opposite of You by Rachel Higginson

For Stories Featuring Unexpected Connections

The accidental phone number in Voicemails for Isabelle creates one of the sweetest “what if?” scenarios in romance. These books capture that same feeling of two people finding each other in unconventional ways.

• To Sir, with Love by Lauren Layne
• Love in the Checkout Line by Wendy Dalrymple
• Accidental Tryst by Natasha Boyd

For Cinnamon Roll Heroes Who Simply Show Up

One of the best parts of Voicemails for Isabelle is Wes. He isn’t the broody billionaire or morally gray antihero. He’s patient. Kind. Supportive. He’s the type of hero who wants to make someone else’s life a little lighter.

If that’s your favorite kind of hero, add these to your TBR:

• Juniper Hill by Devney Perry
• Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
• Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison
• The Bluff by Willa Nash
• Heartless by Elsie Silver

Why This Movie Feels So Different

What makes Voicemails for Isabelle stand out isn’t just the romance. It’s the emotional vulnerability. Jill isn’t looking for love. She’s trying to hold onto the last connection she has with her sister. Wes doesn’t fall in love because of grand gestures or instant chemistry. He falls in love because he hears Jill at her most honest, vulnerable, and authentic. That’s a rare kind of romance.

Many books explore grief. Many feature slow burns. Others have lovable heroes or foodie settings. But combining all of those elements into one story is surprisingly uncommon, which is exactly why Voicemails for Isabelle feels so memorable.

If you’re looking for books that leave your heart a little fuller after the last page, any of these titles are a wonderful place to start.

Did we miss one? Tell us your favorite romance featuring grief, healing, or an unexpected connection. We’d love to add even more recommendations to our TBR.