Historical fiction has always held a special place in literature, offering readers a chance to explore the past while relating to the characters and themes that transcend time. In this list, we highlight 15 of the best new historical fiction novels that transport readers to different eras, introducing them to unforgettable characters and events. Whether you’re a fan of deep emotional journeys, historical mysteries, or richly woven narratives, these books will captivate your imagination and provide a vivid window into history.
15 Must-Read Historical Fiction Novels
1. “The House of Eve” by Sadeqa Johnson
This poignant and powerful novel takes readers to 1950s Philadelphia and Washington D.C., where two Black women—Ruby, a teenager with dreams of becoming a doctor, and Eleanor, a determined college student—navigate societal expectations, love, and ambition. With emotionally driven prose, Johnson explores racial identity, class, and the difficult choices faced by women of color in mid-century America.
2. “The Paris Daughter” by Kristin Harmel
Set in WWII-era Paris, this novel follows two mothers, Elise and Juliette, who must make heartbreaking decisions during the Nazi occupation. When Elise disappears after entrusting her daughter to Juliette, the aftermath reveals secrets and tests the bonds of love and motherhood. Harmel weaves history and emotion into a compelling tapestry of resilience and sacrifice.
3. “The Mitford Affair” by Marie Benedict
Based on the true story of the scandalous Mitford sisters, this novel explores the intricate connections between British aristocracy and rising fascism in the 1930s. With astute attention to historical detail, Benedict paints a tense and riveting picture of family loyalty, political seduction, and the perils of complicity.
4. “The Secret Book of Flora Lea” by Patti Callahan Henry
A beautiful blend of fairytale and history, this novel transports readers to wartime England, where two sisters are evacuated to the countryside. When Flora Lea vanishes, her sister Hazel spends decades haunted by the past—until a mysterious book resurfaces. Henry’s lyrical writing offers a touching meditation on memory, grief, and the power of stories.
5. “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn
Inspired by the true story of Soviet sniper Lyudmila Pavlichenko, this gripping novel delivers high-stakes action, espionage, and emotional depth. Quinn excels at crafting complex female protagonists, and in “The Diamond Eye,” she brings to life a woman who defied expectations and changed the tide of war with a rifle in her hands.
6. “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See
Based on the true story of a female doctor in 15th-century China, Lisa See’s latest novel explores the life of Tan Yunxian, a woman who defied gender roles to heal others. A moving exploration of female friendship, cultural tradition, and resilience, See delivers a masterclass in historical immersion and human insight.
7. “The Night Travelers” by Armando Lucas Correa
Spanning multiple generations, this sweeping saga begins in Nazi Germany and traces the journeys of women seeking safety and identity across continents—from Berlin to Cuba to America. Correa’s storytelling is rich with compassion, giving voice to displaced people and the weight of inherited trauma.
8. “River Sing Me Home” by Eleanor Shearer
This debut novel offers a heart-wrenching journey set in 1830s Barbados, where newly emancipated Rachel searches for the children taken from her. Shearer crafts a vivid and emotional portrait of one mother’s relentless quest for freedom and justice, offering a fresh perspective on the legacy of slavery in the Caribbean.
9. “The House Is on Fire” by Rachel Beanland
Centered around the devastating Richmond Theater fire of 1811, this novel follows four characters whose lives collide in the aftermath. With multiple viewpoints, Beanland explores themes of survival, social status, and hidden truths. Her evocative prose and historical precision create a compelling narrative out of a real-life American tragedy.
10. “Go as a River” by Shelley Read
In post-WWII Colorado, teenager Victoria Nash’s life changes after a chance encounter with a mysterious drifter. As she battles heartbreak, displacement, and the call of wild nature, Read delivers a gorgeously written tale of growth, resilience, and the beauty of landscapes both external and internal.
11. “The Last Lifeboat” by Hazel Gaynor
Inspired by the true story of a shipwreck during WWII, this novel follows two women—an anxious mother sending her children to safety, and a teacher who becomes responsible for their lifeboat. Gaynor deftly explores courage, maternal love, and the complexities of survival in a deeply affecting narrative.
12. “A Shadow in Moscow” by Katherine Reay
This dual-timeline spy thriller follows two women navigating espionage and ideology during the Cold War. Reay brings authenticity and tension to her portrayal of loyalty, danger, and the search for truth. A standout for fans of historical suspense with emotional stakes.
13. “The Spectacular” by Fiona Davis
Set in 1950s New York City, this novel pulls back the curtain on Radio City Music Hall and the Rockettes. Following a young dancer entangled in a mystery tied to the “Big Apple Bomber,” Davis fuses glamour with grit and shines in her celebration of women in the spotlight and in the shadows.
14. “The Air Raid Book Club” by Annie Lyons
When an elderly bookseller in London opens her home to a young Jewish refugee during the Blitz, the two form an unlikely friendship that changes both their lives. Lyons’ novel is both charming and heartbreaking, filled with the healing power of literature in the darkest times.
15. “In Memoriam” by Alice Winn
In this stunning debut, two British schoolboys fall in love as they’re swept into the horrors of WWI. With haunting beauty and poetic depth, Winn explores the cruelty of war, the tenderness of first love, and the cost of silence. A powerful novel that redefines what historical fiction can be.
Why Historical Fiction Still Matters
These 15 novels don’t just revisit the past—they reframe it. With meticulous research and emotional resonance, they shine light on overlooked voices and untold stories. Historical fiction continues to captivate modern readers because it makes the past feel personal, relevant, and alive. Whether centered on war, race, gender, or love, these novels are not just stories of what happened, but why it matters today.
Conclusion
Each of these books offers a unique entry point into history, from sweeping epics to intimate personal dramas. They remind us that while the names and dates may fade, human experiences—loss, love, hope, defiance—resonate across centuries. If you’re looking for the best new historical fiction to add to your shelf, these 15 novels are essential reads that blend storytelling with substance.
