Historical Fiction Books You Shouldn’t Miss in 2024

Historical Fiction Books You Shouldn’t Miss in 2024

2024 is here, ushering in a new year filled with promises of discovery, growth, and, for book lovers, a plethora of captivating stories waiting to be explored. In the realm of literature, historical fiction continues to hold a timeless allure, transporting readers to different eras and weaving tales that blend the past with imaginative narratives. As we embark on this literary journey through time, it’s worth delving into the world of historical fiction books that promise to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape in 2024. From the evocative settings to the rich characterizations, these novels not only provide a glimpse into the bygone days but also offer a unique lens through which to view and understand our own modern world.

In the ever-expanding universe of historical fiction, authors are pushing boundaries, reimagining events, and bringing forgotten stories to life. The following list serves as a guide to some of the most anticipated historical fiction releases of 2024, each promising to captivate readers with its blend of meticulous research and narrative prowess. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or a casual reader looking to explore the past through the lens of fiction, these novels are poised to offer an immersive and unforgettable experience. Get ready to embark on a literary adventure that transcends time and space, as these historical fiction books transport you to different epochs, weaving tales that resonate with the echoes of bygone eras while echoing the universal themes that connect us all.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the intricate narratives, compelling characters, and meticulously researched historical details that make these books stand out. From ancient civilizations to recent historical events, the titles featured here promise to be not just novels, but gateways to different worlds and perspectives. As we navigate the pages of these historical fiction gems in 2024, we invite you to join us on a literary voyage that blurs the lines between past and present, offering insights into the human experience that are as relevant today as they were in times long past.

The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang

Set in 1910’s Paris, The Phoenix Crown unfolds a captivating narrative around an unforgettable evening, weaving a tale of intrigue and a centuries-old vendetta. Quinn and Chang, two renowned authors in the historical fiction genre, promise readers a mesmerizing journey into the heart of Parisian history, skillfully blending meticulous research with imaginative storytelling.

Get it now: Amazon

Unsinkable by Jenni Walsh

Jenni Walsh’s Unsinkable navigates the perilous waters of the infamous Titanic, introducing two resilient female protagonists against the dual timelines of World War I and II. Following the success of Call of the Wrens, Walsh crafts a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of historical events, offering readers a poignant and immersive experience as they accompany these courageous women on their journey aboard the ill-fated ship.

Get it now: Amazon

The Women by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah’s The Women thrusts readers into the challenging landscape of the Vietnam War, where a young nurse in the Army Nurse Corps grapples with the complexities of the era. Positioned as the most anticipated historical fiction book of 2024, Hannah’s novel promises a deeply emotional exploration of a woman’s struggle to make sense of a world torn by conflict. With her masterful storytelling, Hannah delves into the human experience against the backdrop of a pivotal historical moment.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Addictive Books You Shouldn’t Miss in 2024

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with Becoming Madam Secretary, a dramatic novel that chronicles the remarkable life of the American heroine Frances Perkins. Dray’s captivating narrative explores Perkins’ battles against titans and generals, showcasing her pivotal role in shaping the world as we know it. This promises to be a riveting historical fiction novel, shedding light on a formidable woman who left an indelible mark on history.

Get it now: Amazon

The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden

In The Warm Hands of Ghosts, bestselling author Katherine Arden transports readers to the haunting landscape of the Great War. Through the eyes of a combat nurse searching for her believed-dead brother, Arden weaves a beautifully speculative historical novel. Eerie signs and a twist of the speculative make this novel a unique exploration of love and loss against the backdrop of a war-torn world.

Get it now: Amazon

The American Daughters by Maurice Carlos Ruffin

Maurice Carlos Ruffin, award-winning author of We Cast a Shadow, presents a gripping historical novel in The American Daughters. The narrative unfolds around a spirited girl who joins a sisterhood dedicated to undermining the Confederates. Ruffin promises a compelling exploration of resilience and resistance in the face of adversity.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Great Books To Read in 2024

The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

Bestselling author and award-winning journalist Jo Piazza brings readers The Sicilian Inheritance, a transporting novel rooted in her own family history. The story revolves around a long-awaited trip to Sicily, a disputed inheritance, and a family secret that holds deadly consequences. Piazza’s novel promises a captivating blend of familial drama and historical intrigue.

Get it now: Amazon

Table for Two by Amor Towles

From the bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow, Amor Towles presents Table for Two, a collection of richly detailed and sharply drawn stories, including a novella featuring one of his most beloved characters. With Towles’ trademark wit and storytelling prowess, this collection is poised to captivate readers with its exploration of human connections and the intricacies of life.

Get it now: Amazon

The Volcano Daughters by Gina María Balibrera

Gina María Balibrera’s debut novel, The Volcano Daughters, offers a saucy and searingly original narrative about two sisters raised in the shadow of El Salvador’s brutal dictator, El Gran Pendejo. The story takes the sisters from Hollywood to Paris to cannery row, accompanied by the haunting chorus of furies—the ghosts of their murdered friends. Balibrera promises a unique exploration of history, resilience, and the echoes of the past.

Get it now: Amazon

Related: Most Anticipated Books of 2024

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate

Lisa Wingate, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours, presents Shelterwood. Inspired by the untold history of women pioneers, the novel unfolds a sweeping narrative of courage and resilience. Wingate explores the untold stories of women who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil wealth.

Get it now: Amazon

A Wild and Heavenly Place by Robin Oliveira

From the New York Times bestselling author of My Name is Mary Sutter, Robin Oliveira offers A Wild and Heavenly Place. The novel is a sweeping story of star-crossed lovers and the birth of Seattle, capturing the courage of those who chased the American Dream. Oliveira’s poignant and lyrical storytelling pays homage to the Pacific Northwest, love enduring beyond distance, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Get it now: Amazon

Can’t We Be Friends: A Novel of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Eliza Knight and Denny S. Bryce

In this collaboration between award-winning author Denny S. Bryce and USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight, Can’t We Be Friends uncovers the genuine friendship between two iconic figures—Ella Fitzgerald, the Queen of Jazz, and Marilyn Monroe, the glamorous Hollywood star. The novel explores their surprising bond over a decade, defying societal expectations and highlighting the strength of true friendship amidst heartbreak and success.

Get it now: Amazon

The Sweet Blue Distance by Sara Donati

Sara Donati’s The Sweet Blue Distance unfolds as a sweeping 800-page historical romance adventure, transporting readers from upstate New York to the culturally diverse frontier of 1850s Santa Fe. The novel follows the journey of Carrie Ballantyne, a midwife and nurse, through perilous treks and cultural exploration. With its diverse cast and meticulous portrayal of Santa Fe, Donati’s novel stands as a testament to her ability to craft epic tales that resonate deeply with readers.

Get it now: Amazon

The Medicine Woman of Galveston by Amanda Skenandore

Amanda Skenandore’s The Medicine Woman of Galveston transports readers to 1900, where Dr. Tucia Hatherley, a pioneering female doctor, grapples with societal challenges and a tragic mistake. Joining a charismatic showman’s traveling medicine show, the narrative weaves together the lives of its eccentric members against the backdrop of a devastating hurricane in Galveston. Skenandore delivers a satisfying blend of emotional depth, historical detail, and a gripping narrative that explores the resilience and complexities of its characters.

Get it now: Amazon

Only the Brave by Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel’s Only the Brave is a poignant historical novel set against World War II Germany. The story revolves around Sophia Alexander, a courageous young woman navigating the rise of Hitler. As the daughter of a renowned surgeon, Sophia transforms from a caregiver to a fearless resistor against the oppressive regime. Steel’s sensitive portrayal captures the devastating effects of war and the indomitable human spirit, offering a compelling blend of historical accuracy and emotional depth.

Get it now: Amazon

In the realm of historical fiction, 2024 promises a treasure trove of compelling narratives that transport readers across time and space, immersing them in the rich tapestry of human history. From the enchanting streets of 1910’s Paris in The Phoenix Crown to the harrowing landscapes of the Vietnam War in The Women, each novel on this list brings forth a unique blend of meticulous research, imaginative storytelling, and the exploration of the human spirit in the face of historical challenges. Whether it’s the untold stories of pioneering women in Shelterwood or the surprising friendship between Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe in Can’t We Be Friends, these books invite readers to witness and empathize with the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of characters navigating different epochs.

As we embark on this literary journey through time, these historical fiction novels beckon us to reflect not only on the past but also on the enduring relevance of the human experience. The authors, each a master in their craft, have crafted narratives that transcend the boundaries of history, offering readers an opportunity to connect with the universal themes that bind us together. Whether exploring the devastating effects of war, the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity, or the unexpected bonds that form across cultural and societal divides, these novels resonate with timeless truths. As we turn the pages of these historical fiction books in 2024, let us revel in the power of storytelling to illuminate the past, enrich our present, and inspire a collective understanding of the intricate threads that weave the fabric of our shared history.