New Historical Fiction Books for Your TBR
Historical Fiction has an undeniable allure, transporting readers to bygone eras, where the echoes of the past reverberate through captivating narratives. As we embark on a literary journey through time, this blog post unveils a curated selection of enthralling new historical fiction books that are sure to leave an indelible mark on your reading list. These novels skillfully blend meticulous research with imaginative storytelling, offering a unique window into the complexities of different historical periods. From sweeping epics set against the backdrop of ancient civilizations to intimate tales unfolding in the midst of more recent events, these books promise to immerse readers in the rich tapestry of history.
In this exploration of new releases, we delve into the minds of talented authors who breathe life into historical figures and events, transforming dusty chronicles into vivid tapestries of human experience. Each book on this list is a testament to the power of historical fiction to illuminate not only the past but also our understanding of the present. As we traverse the corridors of time through these narratives, we are reminded of the perennial relevance of history and its enduring impact on our collective consciousness.
Prepare to be captivated by the diverse worlds that historical fiction unveils, where characters grapple with love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of the human condition against the backdrop of history’s grand stage. From the evocative prose of seasoned authors to the fresh voices breaking new ground in the genre, these books promise to transport readers to eras both familiar and distant, leaving them spellbound by the magic that unfolds within the pages of each meticulously crafted tale. So, dust off your TBR shelf and get ready to embark on a literary odyssey through time with these captivating new historical fiction releases.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
In Kristin Hannah’s The Women, readers are transported to the transformative era of 1960s America. This novel follows the story of Frances Frankie McGrath, a nursing student who, in the midst of the Vietnam War, defies societal norms by joining the Army Nurse Corps. As she navigates the chaos of war and confronts the changed and politically divided America upon her return, Hannah sheds light on the often-overlooked sacrifices and commitments of women who placed themselves in harm’s way for the greater good. The Women is a poignant and emotionally charged narrative that not only tells the tale of one woman at war but serves as a tribute to the countless forgotten heroines throughout history.
Get it now: Amazon
The Underground Library by Jennifer Ryan
Set against the backdrop of London during the Blitz, Jennifer Ryan’s The Underground Library introduces readers to Juliet Lansdown, the new deputy librarian at Bethnal Green Library. Determined to revive the library’s spirit, Juliet faces challenges that extend beyond the shelves. Alongside Katie Upwood, a young woman grappling with personal loss, and Sofie Baumann, a Jewish refugee seeking solace from her tumultuous life, Juliet’s journey becomes a heartwarming tale of resilience. When tragedy strikes and the library is destroyed, Juliet’s determination leads to an unconventional solution: relocating the library to an Underground station. As the narrative unfolds, Ryan explores the bonds of friendship and community amidst the chaos of war, making The Underground Library a compelling and uplifting historical novel.
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Diva by Daisy Goodwin
In Diva by Daisy Goodwin, readers are immersed in the glittering and competitive world of opera, following the scandalous love affair between the celebrated opera singer Maria Callas and the wealthy Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Goodwin skillfully brings to life the legendary Maria Callas, known as la divina, with her glorious voice and dramatic flair. The novel delves into the complexities of Callas’s life, from her early struggles in Nazi-occupied Greece to her passionate but ultimately heart-wrenching relationship with Onassis. Through lush prose and vivid storytelling, Goodwin captures the essence of a woman whose extraordinary talent and personal journey redefine the meaning of love, loss, and triumph.
Get it now: Amazon
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The Painter’s Daughters by Emily Howes
Emily Howes’s The Painter’s Daughters unfolds against the backdrop of 1700s England, focusing on Peggy and Molly Gainsborough, the daughters of renowned portrait artist Thomas Gainsborough. The novel explores themes of love, madness, and sisterly devotion as Peggy, devoted to protecting her sister Molly’s periodic mental confusion, navigates the challenges of their father’s fame. When the family moves to Bath, Peggy’s love for a charming composer, Johann Fischer, unravels the delicate balance they’ve maintained. The Painter’s Daughters is a tense and tender examination of the blurred lines between protection and control, offering a searing portrait of real girls behind the canvas and a poignant exploration of love, betrayal, and individuality.
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Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner
Natalie Jenner’s Every Time We Say Goodbye transports readers to 1950s Rome, where a group of British and American expatriates becomes embroiled in controversy while making a movie about a female Italian resistance fighter. The protagonist, Vivien Lowry of Bloomsbury Girls, moves to Italy to work as a scriptwriter at the Cinecittà studios. Caught between an enigmatic American film financier and a socialist Italian prince, Vivien navigates both romance and political intrigue. With surprising appearances by characters from Jenner’s previous novels and cameos by screen legends like Sophia Loren, Every Time We Say Goodbye captures the allure of post-war Rome while exploring the haunting legacy of wartime experiences.
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All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
Set in pre-Civil War Philadelphia, Ashton Lattimore’s All We Were Promised intricately weaves the paths of three young Black women—Charlotte, Nell, and Evie—whose lives unexpectedly collide. Charlotte, having escaped slavery, struggles to secure freedom in Philadelphia, while Nell, a budding abolitionist, befriends her. The novel explores the challenges they face as they navigate a city engulfed in race riots and attacks on abolitionists, highlighting the risks they take for each other in a divided America. All We Were Promised is a compelling debut novel inspired by the explosive history of a city grappling with its ideals.
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A Haunting in the Arctic by C. J. Cooke
A Haunting in the Arctic by C. J. Cooke is a masterfully crafted and chilling novel that intertwines the stories of Nicky in 1901 and Dominique in the present day, both connected by the haunted Ormen, a whaling ship wrecked off the coast of Iceland. Cooke’s ambitious storytelling navigates a nonlinear timeline, creating an ominous atmosphere that is ghostly, creepy, and fear-inducing. The novel delves into themes of trauma, survival, and the enduring impact of dark secrets, exploring the mental cages humans construct to cope with past traumas. The heart-wrenching narrative, particularly Nicky’s harrowing journey on the Ormen, evokes a range of emotions, while the shocking and challenging nature of the novel, coupled with its well-polished execution, makes it an unforgettable and haunting experience. The Gothic atmosphere, folklore, and the Arctic setting add layers of uniqueness, culminating in a jaw-dropping conclusion that showcases Cooke’s creative originality in storytelling. A Haunting in the Arctic is a tour de force of atmospheric storytelling that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
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The Romanov Brides: A Novel of the Last Tsarina and Her Sisters by Clare McHugh
Clare McHugh’s The Romanov Brides transports readers to imperial Russia, exploring the lives of Princess Alix of Hesse (future Alexandra, last Empress of Imperial Russia) and her sister, Princess Ella. Granddaughters of Queen Victoria, the sisters defy expectations and marry into the Romanov royal family, altering the course of history. McHugh delves into their choices, examining the tragic consequences for the sisters, their families, and millions in Russia and beyond. The Romanov Brides is a moving and fascinating portrait of two spirited royal sisters, offering a glimpse into the dazzling yet vanishing world of imperial Russia.
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Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles
Based on the true story of Jessie Carson, the American librarian who changed the literary landscape of France, Janet Skeslien Charles’s Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade unfolds in two timelines. In 1918, Jessie, working for the American Committee for Devastated France, establishes children’s libraries in war-torn areas. In 1987, NYPL librarian Wendy Peterson becomes consumed with discovering Jessie’s fate. As Wendy unravels Jessie’s story, their paths converge across time, revealing a connection that goes beyond their shared work at the New York Public Library. This novel is a brilliant exploration of friendship, libraries, and the enduring impact of individuals on literary history.
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The Trouble with You by Ellen Feldman
Set in post-World War II New York City, Ellen Feldman’s The Trouble with You captures the exuberance of the era. Focusing on Fanny, a young woman torn between societal expectations and her own aspirations, the novel explores her journey to reinvent her life. Raised to be a nice girl, Fanny confronts unexpected challenges, including the blacklist threatening careers in radio serials. Feldman’s narrative weaves a compelling story of a woman navigating a changing world, forced to choose between safety and ethics. The Trouble with You is a vivid portrayal of a time when women began redefining their roles in society, facing both personal and professional challenges.
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Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams
Beatriz Williams’ Husbands & Lovers intricately weaves together the lives of two resilient women, Mallory Dunne and Hannah Ainsworth, across decades and continents. Mallory, a single mother facing her son’s life-threatening illness, navigates the complexities of love and sacrifice in modern-day New England, while in 1950s Cairo, Hannah finds herself torn between duty and desire in a loveless marriage. Williams’ masterful storytelling effortlessly blends historical fiction with romance and women’s fiction, drawing readers into a mesmerizing narrative that explores themes of love, loss, and second chances. With richly drawn characters and evocative settings, Husbands & Lovers is a poignant and unforgettable tale that will resonate long after the final page is turned.
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In conclusion, the rich tapestry of historical fiction woven through these captivating novels provides readers with immersive journeys into diverse eras and compelling narratives. From Kristin Hannah’s exploration of the forgotten heroines of the Vietnam War in The Women to Jennifer Ryan’s heartwarming tale of resilience amidst the Blitz in The Underground Library, each book offers a unique lens through which to view pivotal moments in history. Daisy Goodwin’s Diva and Clare McHugh’s The Romanov Brides delve into the lives of extraordinary women, revealing the complexities of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations in the glittering worlds of opera and imperial Russia.
Furthermore, these New Historical Fiction Books serve as windows into the untold stories of women who defied conventions, challenged societal norms, and shaped the course of history. Whether it’s the struggles of Peggy and Molly Gainsborough in Emily Howes’s The Painter’s Daughters or the intertwining paths of three Black women in Ashton Lattimore’s All We Were Promised, these narratives bring to light the resilience, courage, and individuality of women who, too often, have been relegated to the margins of historical accounts. As readers traverse the pages of these books, they are not only entertained by the captivating tales but also enriched by a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles women have played in shaping the world we live in today. Historical fiction, with its power to illuminate the past and provoke reflection, continues to be a literary genre that not only entertains but also educates, leaving an indelible mark on readers and their perception of history.