12 Unforgettable Historical Fiction Reads
From a reimagining of the real Maria von Trapp to a story about the women of Troy, immerse yourself in another time and place with 12 unforgettable historical fiction reads.
Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran
Maria von Trapp. You know the name and the iconic songs, but do you know her real story? This dramatic novel, based on the woman glamorized in The Sound of Music, brings Maria to life as never before.
“Michelle Moran has delivered a gem of a novel, rich in historic detail, page-turning pacing, and lyrical, lush storytelling. As immersive, heartbreaking, and ultimately redemptive as the musical for which Maria von Trapp is so widely known and loved, this one is not to be missed. Brava!”—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Margaret Fuller
Available in Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
The Seventh Veil of Salome: A Novel by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
*A LibraryReads Hall of Fame and Good Morning America Book Club Pick*
A young woman wins the role of a lifetime in a film about a legendary heroine—but the real drama is behind the scenes in this sumptuous historical epic from the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic.
“In Moreno-Garcia’s skillful hands, you’ll find the satisfaction of richly drawn characters, saturated settings and deftly constructed plot twists . . . No matter the genre—gothic, horror, noir—she’ll embody its essence with a verve all her own. The Seventh Veil of Salome, Moreno-Garcia’s tenth novel, is an old Hollywood tale crossed with fire and brimstone. And like her previous works, it’s a compulsive page turner [and] a shrewd examination of faith and desire.”—The New York Times Book Review
Available in Hardcover, eBook, Audio, and Large Print Editions.
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Peggy: A Novel by Rebecca Godfrey
A dazzling, richly imagined novel about Peggy Guggenheim—a story of art, family, love, and becoming oneself—by the award-winning author of Under the Bridge.
“Peggy had often been misunderstood and disrespected, seen as a slutty dilettante who threw her money around. But Rebecca [Godfrey] took Peggy seriously, as a woman full of wit, savvy, and passion, hungry for experience and purpose and with an eye for art, and for people, that others couldn’t yet appreciate.”—The New Yorker
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
By Any Other Name: A Novel by Jodi Picoult
*A LibraryReads Hall of Fame Pick*
From the New York Times bestselling co-author of Mad Honey comes an “inspiring” (Elle) novel about two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name.
“You’ll fall in love with Emilia Bassano, the unforgettable heroine based on a real woman that Picoult brings vividly to life in her brilliantly researched new novel. Jodi Picoult’s books always start passionate conversations, and this one is sure to get people talking. Book clubs will embrace this rich, inspiring story.”—Kristin Hannah
“Picoult creates a richly detailed portrait of daily life in Elizabethan England, from sumptuous castles to seedy hovels . . . It’s Emilia’s story, and Picoult lovingly brings her to life . . . A vibrant tale of a remarkable woman.”—Kirkus Reviews
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
Bright I Burn: A Novel by Molly Aitken
A fierce, electrifying novel inspired by the true story of the first woman to be condemned as a witch in Ireland.
“An astonishing second novel after her brilliant debut, Molly Aitken takes Alice Kyteler—the first woman condemned as a witch in Ireland—and breathes life into a woman as gentle as a candle’s flame, and as destructive as an inferno. Lyrical and wildly imaginative, readers will love and fear Alice in equal measure and remember her story long after they’ve finished the last page.”—Megan Barnard, author of Jezebel
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
The Mesmerist: A Novel by Caroline Woods
A tightly plotted page-turner ripped from the headlines of history, as three very different women must work together to stop a killer and save the truest home they’ve ever known.
“Caroline Woods is a masterful storyteller. You will be on the edge of your seat as you read the story of Faith, Abby and May as they set out to solve a murder in nineteenth-century Minneapolis. Unforgettable characters set in a time of dark history is haunting, atmospheric and thrilling. True crime junkies and historical fiction fanatics, this fabulous read is for you!”—Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Left Undone
Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
The Paris Understudy: A Novel by Aurélie Thiele
This powerful debut novel brings to life the hard choices Parisians made–or failed to make–under Nazi occupation, in the tradition of Pam Jenoff and Fiona Davis.
“A captivating wartime story where ambition clashes with morality under the haunting melodies of opera. Historical fiction fans will delight in Thiele’s impeccable research and enriching atmosphere. An impressive debut where intrigue and sacrifice blend seamlessly with the music. Bravo!”—Andie Newton, USA Today bestselling author of The Secret Pianist
Available in Hardcover and eBook Editions.
Eleanor of Avignon: A Novel by Elizabeth DeLozier
*A LibraryReads Pick*
Rich with unforgettable characters, gorgeously drawn, and full of captivating historical drama, Eleanore of Avignon is the story of a healer who risks her life, her freedom, and everything she holds dear to protect her beloved city from the encroaching Black Death.
“Emotionally riveting and exquisitely told, Eleanore of Avignon is an unforgettable exploration in story form of who we become when all that we love most hangs in the balance. A powerful and compelling debut. I loved it!”—Susan Meissner, USA Today bestselling author of Only the Beautiful
“An ambitious historical novel, but debut novelist Elizabeth DeLozier gives the impression she’s been at this for years . . . Eleanore of Avignon is an impressive debut, sure to be loved by readers who also enjoy Maggie O’Farrell and Sarah Dunant.”—Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary
Available November 5th in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Click for Audiobook Information
Daughters of Bronze: A Novel by A. D. Rhine
Song of great sorrow. Even greater love.
Lost between the timeless lines of Homer’s epic, the women of Troy finally stand to be counted. Their story is one you’ve never encountered, and it will change the fate of Troy forever. Daughters of Bronze is the thrilling conclusion to the duology that began with Horses of Fire.
“Worthy of gracing the shelves alongside Renault and Miller, Daughters of Bronze is an epic feat . . . The lyrical writing of A.D. Rhine sets this book apart from so many Greek myth reimaginings, bringing to life a tale as old as time in ways not yet seen before. A stellar accomplishment.”—Claire M. Andrews, author of the Daughter of Sparta trilogy
Available November 26th in Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Click for Audiobook Information
Again and Again: A Novel by Jonathan Evison
From one of America’s greatest, most creative novelists comes Again and Again, a poignant and endlessly surprising story about love lost, found, and redeemed.
“The joy of watching Evison braid together multiple stories from Eugene’s lives (and the 105 years of this existence) is akin to witnessing a master carpet weaver work out a fantastically intricate rug . . . In revealing the tricks of his trade, its author exposes the tender heart of his craft.”—The Los Angeles Times
Available December 10th in Trade Paperback.
Now Available in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Listen to a Clip from the Audiobook
The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf: A Novel by Isa Arsen
Two Shakespearean actors in an unconventional marriage get caught up in a renowned director’s scheme that will bring them closer than ever or rip them apart for good.
“With sensitivity to a range of queer relationships as well as to Margaret’s unraveling psyche, Arsén paints a vivid portrait of 1950s backstage culture. The demands and compulsions of theater life create a satisfying backdrop for historical fiction that works as a page-turner. The play’s not the only thing here; Arsén’s players intrigue as well.”—Kirkus Reviews
Available January 7th in Hardcover, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Click for Audiobook Information
Let’s Call Her Barbie: A Novel by Renée Rosen
She was only eleven-and-a-half inches tall, but she would change the world. Barbie is born in this bold new novel by USA Today bestselling author Renée Rosen.
“Think you know Barbie? Think again, in this delightful, fast-paced, compassionate, and well-researched story, Renee Rosen skillfully takes everything you think you know and turns it on its head, telling us the real story of the feisty, strong, original woman who created America’s most loved and most hated doll.”—Elizabeth Letts, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Ride of Her Life
Available January 21st 2025 in Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, and Audio Editions.
Click for Audiobook Information