Historical fiction is not always the first choice I make when it comes to picking up a new book. I love the genre, but I often find myself too invested in the characters, the setting, and the timing. That said, I think that there are many incredible reads out there that fall in this category and I’d love to recommend a few for you to look into. There are affiliate links to help you grab a copy quickly and support Midlife Boulevard in the process – so thanks!
5 Incredible Historical Fiction Books You Need To Read
Secrets Of Nanreath Hall, Alix Rickloff
Rickloff weaves a beautiful story between mother and daughter as one tries to figure out what the other lived through so many years before. Love, heartbreak, loss, war, frustration and family all tie together here to create two separate tales that eventually bring us the answers we’ve been looking for all along and then some. A beautiful read, Secrets of Nanreath Hall will draw you in with every page you turn.
The Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline
This book was such a powerful read. The Orphan Train, (not to be confused with a recommendation a few books down!), is a book full of heart and connection. Taking two women who lived through totally different times of heartache, and drawing them together in a way that you will decide you cannot put the book down.
The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah
The Nightingale has been on my Kindle for way too long. 2017 is the year I’m going to read it. I’m a big fan of Kristin Hannah’s work, and I’ve heard the most incredible things about this book. Set in France during WWII, Hannah’s crafted two sisters living through the war in search of love, freedom and with hopes of survival. I can’t wait to finally jump into this one. Have you read it yet? Will you join me if you haven’t?
America’s First Daughter, Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
The story of Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter, Patsy, America’s First Daughter is a novel filled with scandal and tragedy. Forced to keep her father’s secrets and stand by his side after the death of her mother, Patsy is a teenager who is struggling to find her way. Without her mother to advise her, and finding herself in situations she had never imagined she’d be in – and we are sure to enjoy her journey.
The Orphan’s Tale, Pam Jenoff
Jenoff’s latest book does not come out until late February. I’ve had the privilege of reading an advance copy and I’m telling you – you’re going to want to pre-order The Orphan’s Tale now. It will be a beautiful winter surprise when it shows up on your Kindle or at your front door. Set during WWII, we meet two young women struggling to survive in their own way. The circus plays a huge role in this book – it’s almost as if it is its own character – and the setting it creates is a magnificent one. One filled with hurt, love, friendships, betrayal, loss, death, and the flying trapeze. I can’t say enough about it. You’ll see.
So – there you have it – five incredible historical fiction novels that you’ll want to add to your bookshelves or your Kindles as soon as possible.
If you’re a fan of this genre please feel free to share your favorite book from it in the comments below. And if you’ve read any of these books I would love to hear your thoughts! Happy reading.
Andrea Bates
Andrea is a native New Yorker living in NC who has become quite accustomed to wearing flip flops year-round. A licensed clinical social worker, she spends her free time volunteering for a number of organizations supporting women (more specifically, mothers) in need of a reminder that they are not alone. Andrea blogs at Good Girl Gone Redneck, where she writes from the heart, sharing the ins and outs of parenting, family and relationships. She also devours books and regularly features her honest reviews, ensuring that her readers are intrigued and ready for more.
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Ruth Harris says
Thank you for such an irresistible list! I’m a NYT bestselling author and would like to politely suggest my historical novel, THE LAST ROMANTICS. Originally published in hard cover by Simon & Schuster and set during the champagne-fizzed 1920’s, TLR is a love story centered on characters reminiscent of Chanel and Hemingway. Other characters include F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda, Sarah and Gerald Murphy plus additional recognizable figures of the period.
THE LAST ROMANTICS is available in digital form at ebook vendors—Kindle, iBooks, Kobo, Nook, GooglePlay.
Andrea Bates says
Thank you for the suggestion, Ruth, and congrats on your success. I’ll definitely check out your book!
Paula Kiger says
MORE GOOD BOOKS! AHHHH. Have you read any books by Edward Rutherfurd (Rutherford?)? I have read several and loved them all. ESPECIALLY “New York” (I know …. imagine that). So much history, I assume well researched … sweeping books covering so much time. Loved them. (Loved Orphan Train too!).
Andrea Bates says
Hey! How did I miss your comment til now!?! We’ve had lots of comments on this post. 🙂
YAY for more good books. Woot! I hope you’ll read some of them and let me know what you think.
Andrea Bates says
And no, I have not read Rutherfurd! I’ll look him up!
Cheryl Herrera says
Currently reading The Nightingale and am so engrossed in the story of 2 incredible sisters. Trying to savor the last 125 pages left…… Highly recommend.
Andrea Bates says
Thanks, Cheryl. I can’t wait to read it. I think I’ve put it off a bit for the length, but 2017 is the year I read it anyway!! 🙂
Augustina Rufola says
The Nightingale was probably the best book I have ever read. I cried when it was over, for the beautiful story and because I wanted it to continue.
Thank you for the new books to add to my list.
Andrea Bates says
Thanks for commenting! And I am excited to read The Nightingale. So many people just love it.
IreneO says
I’ve read Orphan Train and The Nightingale – recommend both! Actually I listened to The Nightingale on Audiobook – very good narrator.
Andrea Bates says
Good to hear, Irene! I look forward to getting to it really soon.
Jean in NC says
LOVED LOVED The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Her Winter Garden is also excellent historical fiction. I just finished The Orphan Train. It was very good. I had never heard of this practice of gathering up orphan children and shipping them to the Midwest. And the circumstances some found themselves in….oh, so compelling. Look forward to reading these others. Thanks for heads-up on Pam Jenoff’s new book. Will pre-order right now. Really enjoy her many historical novels too.
Andrea Bates says
You will LOVE Pam’s new book. I’m excited to hear that you’re pre-ordering!
And Winter Garden was a beautiful read. I’m definitely a Kristin Hannah fan. Which is why I’m mad it’s taken me so long to crack open The Nightingale!
sarah raymer says
Hi Andrea
Please read The Orphan Train. My Book Club in Louisville Kentucky read it last year! Although the subject is
very sad, it was a terrific read anytime. We probably had some of the best conversation over it! Have you had
an chance to read…….”Drinking From A Bitter Cup” by Angela Jackson Brown? She started out as my client then
moved to friend and joined our Book Club and is now an author. She has also written many plays that have been performed. Very talented! If you get a chance I would love to know what you think?
Sarah
Andrea Bates says
Hi, Sarah – I have read The Orphan Train, and I loved it. A fantastic book.
I haven’t heard of Drinking From A Bitter Cup but I will definitely look into it. Thank you for the heads up on the title and the author. I wish her well and loads of success!
sarah raymer says
Thank you Andrea! I look forward to hearing what you think!
Caryn/TheMidLifeGuru says
Loved The Nightingale. Kristin Hannah is my favorite!!