Historical Fiction Books

Recommended for readers who enjoy unconventional love stories. Unique feature is the connection between two women separated by time and the unexpected events that unfold in their lives.

If you're drawn to the allure of old Hollywood's glitz and hidden shadows, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid deserves a spot on your shelf. It's a novel that intertwines the magnetic yet tumultuous life of an iconic actress with a contemporary reporter's journey, unraveling profound connections and heartfelt revelations. It's not just a dive into the past's opulence but an exploration of the fragile threads that tether us to one another, making for a uniquely compelling read.

The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg is a humorous and heartwarming read that follows Sookie Poole, a woman who discovers a shocking secret about her mother's past that leads her on a journey of self-discovery. As she tries to unravel the mystery, she learns about the All-Girl Filling Station, a group of women who worked in a filling station during WWII and become inspired by their courageous and independent spirit. This book is perfect for those who enjoy a good mystery with a touch of humor and a heartwarming message about family, love, and the importance of being true to oneself.

"Remarkable...An affirmation of the strength and power of individual lives, and the way they cannot help fitting together."THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEWAn extraordinay and moving reading experience, HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN QUILT is an exploration of women of yesterday and today, who join together in a uniquely female experience. As they gather year after year, their stories, their wisdom, their lives, form the pattern from which all of us draw warmth and comfort for ourselves.A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE COMING OUT FALL 1995-- with Maya Angelou, Winona Ryder, and Rip Torn

Ten Things I Love About You could be a good read for those who enjoy romance novels set in historical contexts. Julia Quinn's witty writing style and engaging characters make for an entertaining read, while the love triangle adds a layer of intrigue to the plot. Readers will appreciate the humor and banter between the characters, and the satisfying conclusion to the story.

If you're looking for a charming escape, "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day" is a perfect choice. It’s a tale that celebrates unexpected friendships and life’s surprising turns. Like many who've stumbled upon this gem, you might find it to be a delightful reminder that it's never too late for adventure and a fresh start.

Hothouse Flower is a heart-warming tale of love, loss and healing that takes you on a journey through different countries and time periods. The novel's most unique feature is its vivid descriptions of exotic flowers and locations, which are sure to transport readers to another world. If you enjoy historical and romantic fiction, Hothouse Flower is a must-read.

Tony's Wife is a heartwarming novel that follows the story of Chi Chi Donatelli and Saverio Armandonada, two talented musicians who find love and fame in the music industry. Trigiani's rich prose and vivid descriptions bring to life the glamorous world of show business, while also exploring the complexities of sacrificing personal ambition for family. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy timeless romance stories that are filled with memorable characters and emotional journeys.

McKettrick's Choice is a Western romance novel that combines thrilling action with heartwarming love stories. Readers looking for a book that weaves together old-West justice and passion-filled relationships, wrapped up in a solid plot, full of obstacles and challenges, should add McKettrick's Choice to their reading list.

The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets is a charming and delightful read for those who love stories set in the past. It beautifully captures the essence of the 1950s, depicting a time of great change and social evolution. Penelope, the main character, is a relatable and endearing young woman navigating her way through life's challenges. Eva Rice's writing style is both elegant and captivating, making it hard to put this book down. Fans of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories will thoroughly enjoy this modern vintage classic.

From small-town America to a world on the cusp of World War II, Wings is an uplifting story about one woman's fight to fulfil her dreams.From her family's dusty farmland airstrip near Chicago, Cassie O'Malley would look at the planes shimmering in the moonlight and feel the pull of taking to the skies. Her First World War veteran father Pat wanted his son to be a pilot, not his reckless red-haired daughter. But her father's partner Nick, fellow air ace, was willing to break all the rules and teach her to fly.When Cassie is invited to California to become a test pilot, her record-breaking flights make her a media darling. Risking her life, in a world preparing for the Second World War, she decides to chart her own course and pursue her own destiny, whatever it might cost her . . .

Almost Heaven could be a good read for fans of historical romance novels. The book offers a mix of social scandal, intrigue, and passion, creating a compelling read that will have you rooting for the two main characters. The romance between Elizabeth and Ian is well-developed, and their mutual attraction is a standout feature of the book. As Publishers Weekly notes, this is a charming romance that you won't be able to put down.

This book could be a good read for those who enjoy complex relationships and the darker side of love. With a focus on the protagonist's obsessive love for his wife, the story explores themes of desire, jealousy, and loss. Anita Shreve's writing style is intelligent and graceful, and the characters are unforgettable. It's a perfect choice for those who like reading emotional dramas that delve deep into human psyche.

The Ladies' Lending Library is a captivating read that paints a vivid picture of a summer filled with rebellion, change, and self-discovery. Keefer beautifully weaves together the lives of the women in the Kalyna Beach cottage community, creating complex characters who struggle with societal expectations and their own desires. Through poignant storytelling, Keefer explores themes of love, loss, and liberation, making it a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful coming-of-age story.

Echoes is a heart-wrenching tale of love, courage, and survival set during the Second World War. The book captures the emotional journey of Beata, a young Jewish woman who falls in love with a French officer amidst the chaos of war. Despite the odds, she follows her heart and builds a new life with him, only to see it all threatened by the rise of Hitler and his terror. Beata's daughter Amadea is forced into hiding, and her journey of survival takes her through the Nazi death camps and into the heart of the French resistance. Steel's intricate tapestry of a mother's love and a daughter's courage is sure to leave readers emotionally touched and inspired.

"The Dream House" is a heartwarming novel that highlights the importance of home and finding yourself. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy stories that intertwine the past and present, as well as the power of human connection. The book's most unique feature is its ability to make readers feel as though they are a part of the story and can relate to the struggles of the characters. Overall, it's an emotional journey that will leave readers feeling inspired.

Secondhand Bride could be a great read for someone who enjoys western romances with a rekindled love story. It is a unique and distinctive book with likable characters and a plot that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The story follows Jeb, a cowboy who accidentally marries Chloe, a woman who is already married. As they struggle to trust and find their way, they discover a deeper connection that helps them overcome the obstacles in their path. The book is well-written and provides a refreshing take on classic romance tropes.

Danielle Steel's fifty-first bestselling novel tells the story of an extraordinary man, the woman who loved him, and a bond so powerful it could never be broken. It is about finding the courage to let someone you love fly free....The phone call came on a snowy December afternoon. Kate was certain it was Joe, the brilliant, visionary man who had been her soulmate, her driving force since the night they met, almost thirty-four years before. What she got was the one call she had never wanted, and didn't expect. As the snow continued to fall, Kate's mind drifted back, to the moment when she and Joe first met. She had been just seventeen and he was young, powerful, dazzling, and different from any man she'd ever known.It was just days before Christmas, 1940. The war is raging in Europe when Kate Jamison makes her debut in New York City. In a room filled with the scions of East Coast society and the leading political figures of the day, it is Joe Allbright who catches Kate's eye. At twenty-nine, Joe is the brilliant protege of Charles Lindbergh, and already a legend in flying circles for his record-breaking speed and state-of-the-art airplane designs. All Kate sees is a tall, strikingly handsome man who seems at once awkward and larger-than-life, like a shining star -- just out of reach. Joe, too, is caught off balance by his response to Kate, seeing in this beautiful young woman vitality and youth, the lifelong soulmate he never expected to find. As the months pass, they will meet again, forging a bond that will set the course of both their lives. Kate will go off to study at Radcliffe. Joe will skyrocket to fame in modern aviation. Joe's planes are his life, his passion. But irresistibly drawn to her, like moth to flame, he always comes back to Kate. Even after the long, dark years of World War II, when Kate was sure she had finally lost him completely, Joe returns. Never willing to stay, always needing to fly away. As planes are for him, Joe is the passion in her life.When the war is over, at twenty-four Kate wants marriage and a family. Joe wants the world, his limitless horizons, and the unique aviation empire he is building. Unwilling to wait any longer, Kate moves on with her life. But when a chance encounter brings them together again, the time has finally come to make a choice, one that will have profound consequences for them both for the rest of their lives. Against a vivid backdrop of war and thrilling innovation, Danielle Steel breathes life into history, weaving an intensely human story that spans three decades, of two intensely different people who, in spite of themselves, are irrevocably woven into the fabric of each other's lives. With rare insight and emotional power, she brings to life a tale of unconditional love, sacrifice, and compromise -- the joining of two remarkable halves into a single, far more powerful whole. It is a novel of extraordinary grace and compassion from a master storyteller, perhaps the best story she has told.

"Shotgun Bride" would be a great read for someone who loves thrilling western romances. The unexpected twists and turns in the story will keep readers on the edge of their seat. Linda Lael Miller is a master at crafting steamy romances with dangerous plot twists and "Shotgun Bride" is no exception. This book has a perfect blend of exciting action and heart-warming romance that is sure to satisfy any fan of western romances.

Meridon could be a good read for fans of historical fiction who enjoy the romance and drama of 18th century England. The story of Meridon and her sister Dandy's struggle to escape poverty and danger as Romany performers is a touching and unique tale. The novel is the third and final installment of the Wideacre Trilogy, which has been praised for its passionate storytelling and well-drawn characters. Readers may appreciate the attention to detail and depth of emotion that Philippa Gregory brings to her writing.