Andrea Bates is known for sharing her favorite books over on her website Good Girl Gone Redneck. One of her most popular posts shares what you’ll want to be reading this year, so head on over and have a look.
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.
Caryn/TheMidLifeGuru
Saturday 11th of February 2017
Loved The Nightingale. Kristin Hannah is my favorite!!
sarah raymer
Friday 20th of January 2017
Thank you Andrea! I look forward to hearing what you think!
sarah raymer
Thursday 19th of January 2017
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
Friday 20th of January 2017
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!
Jean in NC
Thursday 19th of January 2017
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
Friday 20th of January 2017
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!
IreneO
Thursday 19th of January 2017
I've read Orphan Train and The Nightingale - recommend both! Actually I listened to The Nightingale on Audiobook - very good narrator.
Andrea Bates
Thursday 19th of January 2017
Good to hear, Irene! I look forward to getting to it really soon.