2023 Summer Reading Guide: Historical Fiction
We've found 15 of the best, new historical fiction books to read this summer.
Looking for some thrilling beach reads? Check out our collection of fifteen Historical Fiction books! Whether you're into World War II novels, thrilling mysteries, or even a bit of romance, we've got a category for every unique reader. So grab a book and get lost in a new world this summer!
Powerful and emotional stories of characters navigating the challenges and triumphs of immigrating to a new country.
The Wind Knows My Name
by Isabel Allende
This powerful and moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author of A Long Petal of the Sea and Violeta weaves together past and present, tracing the ripple effects of war and immigration on one child in Europe in 1938 and another in the United States in 2019.
American Ending
by Mary Kay Zuravleff
A woman growing up in a family of Russian immigrants in the 1910s seeks a thoroughly American life. In this immersive novel, Zuravleff weaves Russian fairy tales and fables into a family saga within the storied American landscape. The challenges facing immigrants--and the fragility of citizenship--are just as unsettling and surprising today as they were 100 years ago. American Ending is a poignant reminder that everything that is happening in America has already happened.
Influential books of women overcoming adversity and making positive changes in the world.
The Brightest Star
by Gail Tsukiyama
The beloved bestselling author of The Color of Air, Women of the Silk, and The Samurai's Garden returns with this magnificent historical novel based on the life of the luminous, groundbreaking actress Anna May Wong--the first and only Asian American woman to gain movie stardom in the early days of Hollywood.
Lady Tan's Circle of Women
by Lisa See
The latest historical novel from New York Times bestselling author Lisa See, inspired by the true story of a woman physician from 15th-century China--perfect for fans of See's classic Snowflower and the Secret Fan and The Island of Sea Women.
Lady Tan's Circle of Women is a captivating story of women helping other women. It is also a triumphant reimagining of the life of a woman who was remarkable in the Ming dynasty and would be considered remarkable today.
Crow Mary
by Kathleen Grissom
The New York Times bestselling author of the "touching" (The Boston Globe) book club classics The Kitchen House and the "emotionally rewarding" (Booklist) Glory Over Everything returns with a sweeping saga inspired by the true story of Crow Mary--an indigenous woman torn between two worlds in 19th-century North America.
The River Remembers
by Linda Ulleseit
Samantha Lockwood, Day Sets, and Harriet Robinson come to Fort Snelling from very different backgrounds. It's 1835 and the world is changing, fast, and they are all struggling to keep up. After she refuses another suitor he's chosen for her, Samantha's father banishes her to live in the territory with her brother. He, too, tries to take over her marriage plans--but she is determined to find her own husband, even when her choices go awry.
As their cultures collide, each of these three women must find a way to direct her own future and leave a legacy for her children.
Compelling titles that show solidarity and the strength that comes from standing united with those around us.
The First Ladies
by Marie Benedict - Victoria Christopher Murray
A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune--an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.
My Magnolia Summer
by Victoria Benton Frank
"By writing My Magnolia Summer, a novel of low country food, family drama, and just the right amount of romance, Victoria Benton Frank shows that she is the rightful heir to the crown of summertime storytellers. Her mother would be so proud." -- Ann Patchett
Escape to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where family bonds and hidden secrets run deep. In this gripping tale of self-discovery, Victoria Benton Frank introduces us to Maggie, struggling to find her place in the world when she receives a phone call bringing her back to her hometown of Sullivan's Island.
This Brutal House
by Niven Govinden
Set across the arc of an active protest and the lives behind it - a group of silent Mothers, and one of their children now working for the city - This Brutal House explores a group's resilience, trauma, and determination to hold truth to power.
Page-turning publications that immerse the reader with thrilling reveals.
Crook Manifesto
by Colson Whitehead
The two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author of Harlem Shuffle continues his Harlem saga in a powerful and hugely-entertaining novel that summons 1970s New York in all its seedy glory.
CROOK MANIFESTO is a darkly funny tale of a city under siege, but also a sneakily searching portrait of the meaning of family. Colson Whitehead's kaleidoscopic portrait of Harlem is sure to stand as one of the all-time great evocations of a place and a time.
The Spectacular
by Fiona Davis
From the New York Times Bestselling Author of The Magnolia Palace A thrilling story about love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, set amidst the glamour and glitz of Radio City Music Hall in its mid-century heyday.
The Housekeepers (Original)
by Alex Hay
The night of London's grandest ball, a bold group of women downstairs launch a daring revenge heist against Mayfair society in this dazzling historical novel about power, gender, and class.
"Rollicking fun and entirely original... Anyone who relishes a good party gone wrong will devour this."
--Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary
After all, one should never underestimate the women downstairs.
"A deliciously clever novel... You'll never have so much fun cheering on grand larceny."
--Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair, a Reese's Book Club Pick
Alluring tales that transport you through realms of time and electrifying escapades.
The Puzzle Master
by Danielle Trussoni
Reality and the supernatural collide when an expert puzzle maker is thrust into an ancient mystery--one with explosive consequences for the fate of humanity--in this suspenseful thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Angelology
"In short: The Puzzle Master = (The Da Vinci Code + The Silent Patient + sprinkle of Stephen King) x gorgeous writing."--Angie Kim, author of Miracle Creek
The Invisible Hour
by Alice Hoffman
From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Marriage of Opposites and the Practical Magic series comes an enchanting novel about love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the enduring magic of books.
Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote: “A single dream is more powerful than a thousand realities.”
Captivating romance novels to immerse yourself in the drama and passion of the past.
We Could Be So Good
by Cat Sebastian
Casey McQuiston meets The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in this mid-century rom-dram about a scrappy reporter and a newspaper mogul's son.
"A spectacularly talented writer!" --Julia Quinn
"This historical romance is billed as being 'for Newsies shippers, ' and it absolutely delivers." --Dahlia Adler, Buzzfeed Books
These historical fiction novels are perfect for summer reading, whether you're lounging at the beach, relaxing by the lake, or on vacation somewhere else. They range from friendship, activism, and even time travel, so you're sure to find something that tugs on your heartstrings and inspires you to make a difference. Happy reading!
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