Best Historical Fiction Releases of 2023…So Far

Historical fiction has the remarkable ability to transport readers to different eras, immerse them in captivating stories, and shed light on the past. As we journey through 2023, the literary world has graced us with a plethora of outstanding historical fiction releases. From tales set in WWII London to stories spanning generations in India, these novels promise to whisk you away to times and places filled with intrigue, passion, and profound human connections. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best historical fiction releases of 2023…so far.

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

Patti Callahan Henry, a master storyteller, takes us on a poignant journey to WWII London in The Secret Book of Flora Lea. Set during the Blitz, the story revolves around two sisters, Hazel and Flora Lea, who find solace in their imaginative world called Whisperwood. Tragedy strikes when Flora goes missing near the River Thames. Fast forward two decades, and Hazel stumbles upon a picture book in the U.S. that eerily resembles the story she created for her sister. The novel weaves a captivating tale of sisterhood and the transformative power of storytelling will definitely captivate you from the beginning.

Buy it now: Amazon

Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See

Lisa See, a New York Times bestselling author, takes us back to 15th-century China in Lady Tan’s Circle of Women. In a society where an educated woman is a worthless woman, Tan Yunxian, born into an elite family, is raised by her grandmother, a female doctor. They explore the intricacies of Chinese medicine, the Four Examinations, and women’s health. Yunxian forms a deep friendship with a midwife-in-training, Meiling, defying societal norms. The novel delves into the challenges women face and their determination to overcome them. It’s a triumphant reimagining of a remarkable woman’s life in the Ming dynasty.

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The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Set in Kerala, India, The Covenant of Water spans three generations of a family plagued by a peculiar affliction—drowning deaths. The story takes place from 1900 to 1977 and follows the family through a time of monumental change in South India. Abraham Verghese masterfully weaves a tale of medical ingenuity, humor, and deeply moving stories, highlighting the essence of life in a changing world. This magisterial novel is a hymn to progress in medicine and human understanding, making it one of the standout literary releases of recent years.

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Homecoming by Kate Morton

In the scorching heat of Christmas Eve 1959, a local delivery man makes a horrifying discovery by a creek on the grounds of a mysterious mansion in Adelaide Hills. This shocking murder case entangles the small town of Tambilla in one of South Australia’s most perplexing mysteries. Fast forward sixty years, Jess, a journalist laid off from her London job, rushes back to Sydney after her grandmother Nora’s fall. Nora, once vibrant and strong, now appears frail and confused. Jess grows curious about Nora’s distracted behavior, particularly regarding the attic, a place she was forbidden to explore as a child.

While at Nora’s house, Jess finds a true crime book about the Turner Family Tragedy of 1959. As she investigates, she stumbles upon a shocking connection between her family and the unsolved crime. Homecoming is a gripping tale of secrets, motherhood, and the pursuit of truth. Kate Morton’s storytelling prowess shines in this immensely satisfying narrative, making her one of today’s finest writers.

Buy it now: Amazon

The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

Set in 1958, The River We Remember unfolds in a small Minnesota town rocked by the murder of its most influential citizen, Jimmy Quinn. Sheriff Brody Dern, a decorated war hero, must navigate a town teetering on the brink of violence, rife with suspicion and prejudice. The novel explores the aftermath of war, the wounds it leaves, and the secrets it uncovers. As Dern seeks the truth behind Quinn’s murder, the story delves into the lives of various townspeople, each with their own tragic histories and hidden secrets. William Kent Krueger delivers a complex, spellbinding mystery and a vivid portrayal of midcentury American life.

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Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall is a timely work of historical fiction set against the backdrop of the struggle for reproductive rights in America. The novel focuses on a group of brave activists known as the Jane Collective, who helped pregnant individuals access abortion services when the procedure was illegal. Marshall’s narrative shifts between 2017, 1980, and 1971, intertwining the stories of three women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. With endorsements from notable authors, this searing and beautifully written novel sheds light on a critical chapter in American history.

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The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

Sadeqa Johnson’s The House of Eve explores the intertwining narratives of Ruby and Eleanor, two women from different walks of life in the mid-twentieth century. Unexpected pregnancies set them on separate trajectories, delving into issues of class, race, and gender. The story offers a poignant reflection on the challenges these women face as they navigate societal expectations while pursuing their ambitions. Sadeqa Johnson’s historical fiction always brings history to life with clarity and emotional depth.

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The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

The First Ladies is a powerful novel that explores the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Born to formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down in the face of white supremacy. Her activism and dedication earn her recognition from U.S. Presidents, including Eleanor Roosevelt. The two women forge a deep friendship rooted in their shared beliefs in women’s rights and education. As they collaborate more closely during Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency, their story becomes intertwined with the modern civil rights movement. This novel sheds light on the formidable impact of these two remarkable women on history.

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The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende

Isabel Allende’s The Wind Knows My Name weaves together the stories of two children in different times and places. Samuel Adler, a young boy in 1938 Vienna, escapes Nazi-occupied Austria on the Kindertransport to the UK. Anita Diaz, a blind girl from El Salvador, seeks refuge in the United States in 2019. Their journeys are marked by war, immigration, and resilience. The novel explores the ripple effects of history and the enduring power of dreams and imagination. Isabel Allende’s storytelling prowess shines in this moving narrative that spans generations and continents.

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The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi

Set in 1974 Paris, The Perfumist of Paris follows Radha, a talented perfumer who finds solace and purpose in creating fragrances. Her journey takes her to India, where she enlists the help of her sister and the courtesans of Agra to perfect her craft. However, her newfound success strains her marriage, and her past resurfaces when her son, whom she gave up for adoption, seeks her out. Alka Joshi’s novel explores the complexities of love, ambition, and family, all against the backdrop of the world of perfumery.

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Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea

In Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea, set during World War II, Irene Woodward escapes an abusive fiancé in New York by enlisting with the Red Cross and heading to Europe in 1943. She forms a fast friendship with Dorothy Dunford, another brave volunteer. Together, they become part of the Donut Dollies, a group of women operating Clubmobiles on the frontlines, offering companionship to troops before battle.

Their journey takes them to the heart of danger, from the Battle of the Bulge to the liberation of Buchenwald. Irene also finds love in the arms of a gallant American fighter pilot named Hans, as she learns to trust once more. Amid the chaos of war, Irene’s fervent hope is that all three of them survive unharmed. Based on his mother’s Red Cross service, Urrea tells an often-overlooked story of women’s heroism. Good Night, Irene is an uplifting tale of friendship and valor in challenging circumstances, showcasing Urrea’s remarkable storytelling talents.

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Weyward by Emilia Hart

In Emilia Hart’s debut novel, Weyward, readers are taken on a captivating journey where the natural world collides with a legacy of witchcraft. This spellbinding story weaves together the lives of three remarkable women across centuries. In 2019, Kate escapes an abusive partner in London to find refuge in the ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a distant great aunt, and uncovers a hidden secret tied to 17th-century witch-hunts. In 1619, Altha faces trial for murder, drawing upon her unique natural magic to secure her freedom as evidence of witchcraft mounts against her. In 1942, Violet, trapped in her decaying family estate during World War II, seeks knowledge about her mother’s rumored madness, guided only by a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward etched into her bedroom’s baseboard. Emilia Hart’s Weyward beautifully intertwines the stories of these three extraordinary women, spanning five centuries, and is a tale of female resilience and the transformative magic of the natural world.

Buy it now: Amazon

Have you read any of the books labeled as Best Historical Fiction Releases of 2023…So Far?

Historical fiction continues to be a genre that offers readers the chance to explore different eras and cultures while delving into universal themes of love, resilience, and human connection. The best historical fiction releases of 2023 provide a diverse range of stories, from wartime sagas to tales of friendship and family. As you embark on your literary journey through these novels, you’ll find yourself transported to bygone times and immersed in the rich tapestry of history and humanity. Happy reading!

Check our Best Historical Fiction Releases of 2023…So Far list, maybe your next favorite read is right here!

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