The Best Historical Fiction Books This Summer
A glance at what I'm reading this July and August.
My nightstand is overloaded with books at my beach cottage because there are so many incredible historical fiction novels out this summer. Some of these book picks I’ve already read — and some I will read in coming weeks — but all of them are worthy of your consideration. If you look forward to escaping into the past (and a great story), here are ten book ideas for your summer reading list.
Hint: All of them would be best enjoyed near the ocean, the pool or that pretty lake near your house. Also, don’t miss Kate Quinn’s latest The Briar Club, releasing in July — it sounds amazing! I read everything Kate writes!
The Last Twelve Miles
by Erika Robuck
I picked this one up at a book event down south, and I’m a few chapters in and LOVING it. Set in the Bahamas and Washington, DC in 1926, this Prohibition era novel sparkles with two real-life women figures on opposite sides of the law. One is a brilliant cryptanalyst who can crack the complex codes of the rumrunners, the other one is an opportunist trying to become queen of the smugglers. Robuck is the master of transporting you back in time, and this one won’t disappoint.
The Sicilian Inheritance
by Jo Piazza
You know when you save a book because you want to savor it and read it somewhere special? That is this book for me. Set in stunning Sicily in the 1900s and today, The Sicilian Inheritance is a multigenerational mystery that shines with atmosphere and compelling characters. After her aunt dies, Sara goes to Italy for the funeral only to discover a shocking family secret hiding in her bloodlines: her great grandmother didn’t die from illness, she was murdered. And so the adventure begins to uncover the truth. Everyone is raving about this one!
Every Time We Say Goodbye
by Natalie Jenner
When I read her latest Every Time We Say Goodbye, it became clear to me why Jenner is such a great storyteller. You just love her characters so darn much. Case in point: Vivien Lowry. We first meet Vivien, an aspiring writer who works alongside a colorful cast at Bloomsbury Books in London, during Jenner’s second novel, Bloomsbury Girls. Vivien makes another appearance in Jenner’s latest Every Time We Say Goodbye, a historical drama set in Rome. This time, Vivien travels to Italy to work in the film industry, and we find ourselves on movie sets with sparkly midcentury stars. There’s budding romance and new friendships, intrigue and historical mystery, and lots of glamour to keep the pages turning. Love this one! Read an interview I did with Natalie here.
Finding Margaret Fuller
by Allison Pataki
Allison’s novels are always compelling and must-reads, but I found this one utterly captivating. Set in Concord during the heady times of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, Finding Margaret Fuller sucked me right into its epic story of the unapologetically brilliant Margaret, who becomes the genius and heart behind the Transcendentalists. Don’t be intimated. This one reads like a page-turning soap opera despite its depth, smarts and sharp character development. LOVED!
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
by Janet Skeslien Charles
After her hit novel The Paris Library, you’ll be happy to know that Janet Skeslien Charles hasn’t left the stacks. Her latest well-plotted, charmer Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade whisks us away to World War I to follow real life Jessie Carson, an American woman who took leave from the New York Public Library in 1918 to help rebuild libraries in war-torn France. The novel is historical fiction at its best. Think: lively cast of characters, vivid historical scenes and plenty of drama. To read Janet’s Author Confessions column, click here.
The Booklover’s Library
by Madeline Martin
From the author of The Last Bookshop of London, this one reads like candy to me. I just want to devour it. Since it doesn’t come out for several more weeks, I have to rely on the description: “A heartwarming story about a mother and daughter in wartime England and the power of the books that bring them together.” Also, historical fiction author Kristin Harmel gushes: "A spectacularly well-researched and well-plotted tale of World War II, motherhood, and the solace we find in books.” YES, PLEASE!
The Goddess of Warsaw
by Lisa Barr
If I had to use one word to define a Lisa Barr novel, it would be: powerful. A self-proclaimed “research geek,” Lisa’s novels combine her love of reporting and history, and she parlays it all into ultra-readable fiction. A dual timeline page-turner filled with family secrets. The Goddess of Warsaw centers on a legendary Hollywood screen goddess carrying a dark secret from her time in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Someone from her past threatens to unearth her hidden history, and the actress puts her skills into play to protect herself, her illustrious career, and those she loves, then and now. Expect to learn about WWII while engrossed in a feisty female heroine, which is the kind of book I adore. Check out the Author Confessions with Lisa here.
The Incorrigibles
by Meredith Jaeger
Meredith has written a few excellent novels, but The Incorrigibles may be her best yet. It’s a dual timeline novel set in San Francisco in 1890 and 1972. One character is wrongfully imprisoned but finds connection with inmates at San Quentin, while the other, a photographer in the seventies, discovers old photos of the same turn-of-the-cenutury woman, setting the photographer on an unexpected journey. Says Jillian Cantor: “…an impeccably researched feminist novel brimming with strength and resilience.” I will be reading this one as soon as I settle into summer! So good!!
Husbands & Lovers
by Beatriz Williams
It wouldn’t be summer without a historical novel from Beatriz, and her latest one sounds INCREDIBLE. I always love the pluck, mystery and charm in her books. This one comes out on June 25th, and I’ll be writing lots more about it as we get closer. BTW her cover and my cover are both paintings by the amazing artist T.S. Harris. Love! Don’t miss her latest!
What the Mountains Remember
by Joy Callaway
I read this one last month and found it utterly compelling. Set at the real-life Grove Park Inn in 1913, What the Mountains Remember is the story of Belle, a young woman whose mother marries rich to improve their lot after her father’s passing. When they arrive at the playground of the Ford family, Belle takes on an unexpected role, has a falling out with a friend and might have just met the man of her dreams. I don’t want to say more because there’s a lot that happens in between and there’s such wonderful period detail, wise and insightful storylines and heart. I was truly transported!
Linda Holeman is my favorite historical fiction author, her book The Linnet Bird is what I recommend to everyone.