The Best Historical Fiction Books
Historical fiction is hands-down my favorite genre—and with good reason. There’s something so magical about opening a book and being instantly transported to another time and place. Whether it’s a gripping WWII novel or a sweeping historical romance, I’m all in. Over the years, I’ve read a lot of historical fiction, and while most have been great, not every book hits the mark. So if you’re new to the genre (or just looking for your next favorite), this curated list of the best historical fiction books is the perfect place to start your journey into the past.
This blog is reader-supported. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission from affiliate links used in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, visit my legal page.
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Published June 1991
If you love fantasy romance, Outlander should be at the top of your TBR—immediately. This is one of my all-time favorite series, and for good reason. It tells the sweeping tale of Jamie Fraser, an 18th-century Scottish Highlander, and Claire Beauchamp, a bold, no-nonsense British time traveler from the 20th century. Built on the forced proximity trope, their romance is fiery, intense, and unforgettable. Expect animalistic passion, unforgettable characters, and a fiercely strong female lead. This story has everything: history, heartache, heat—and a love that transcends time itself. Don’t waste your time husband hunting with Bridgerton… Jamie Fraser is the real deal. (Just be sure to check trigger warnings before diving in!)
Still Life
by Sarah Winman
Published November 2021
Still Life is pure magic—funny, tender, beautifully written, and overflowing with heart. Spanning decades and set mostly in postwar Florence, it’s a story about found family, art, love, and the small moments that shape a life. The characters feel like real people you never want to let go of. This is my vote for the best historical fiction book ever. It’s the kind of novel you finish and immediately want to reread. The writing is luminous, the setting unforgettable, and the emotional payoff? Perfection.
The Nightingale
by Kristen Hannah
Published February 2015
This book is everything, y’all. The Nightingale will always get my vote as the #1 historical fiction novel everyone should read. Set in Nazi-occupied France, it tells the unforgettable story of two sisters—Vianne and Isabelle—who find themselves on opposite ends of the same war. The tension between them is electric, simmering beneath every page and keeping you glued to the story. While it starts out slow, Kristin Hannah’s storytelling quietly takes hold until you’re completely swept up in their world. By the end, I was sobbing. Seriously—have tissues on hand. This one delivers an emotional gut-punch you won’t soon forget.
Angels of the Resistance
by Noelle Salazar
Published November 2022
My favorite book of 2022—and quite possibly one of the best I’ve ever read—Angels of the Resistance by Noelle Salazar is a WWII masterpiece. The story of two Dutch sisters fighting for the Resistance is both powerful and deeply moving. The novel's second half is absolutely unputdownable—tense, emotional, and unforgettable. When I turned the last page, all I could say was “Wow.” Salazar brings the world of the Dutch Resistance to life in a way that grips you from the first chapter. I dare you to read this and not be completely swept away by these characters.
James
by Percival Everett
Published March 2024
James is a bold, razor-sharp reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told through the eyes of Jim, the enslaved man at the heart of Twain’s classic. With biting wit, emotional depth, and powerful commentary, Everett gives voice to a character long overshadowed—turning a familiar tale into something wholly original, urgent, and unforgettable. A must-read for fans of literary fiction and historical reimaginings.
Take My Hand
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Published April 2022
Take My Hand is a powerful, heartbreaking read inspired by real events. Set in 1970s Alabama, it follows Civil, a young Black nurse who uncovers a devastating injustice involving two young girls in her care—and refuses to stay silent. This story shook me. It’s emotional, beautifully written, and filled with righteous anger and compassion. The writing is subtle but powerful, and the themes—bodily autonomy, racism, and institutional abuse—still feel so relevant today. If you love historical fiction that hits hard and stays with you, don’t miss this one.
Code Name Helene
by Ariel Lawhon
Published March 2020
Code Name Hélène is, without question, the best historical fiction book I’ve ever read. From start to finish, it’s a rollicking, high-stakes ride featuring one of the fiercest, most unforgettable female leads in fiction. Based on the true story of Nancy Wake, this dual-timeline, single-POV novel is gripping, emotional, and impossible to put down. Whether you’re new to historical fiction or a longtime fan, this WWII story is the perfect entry point—and my all-time favorite in the genre. If you haven’t read Code Name Hélène yet, you’re seriously missing out.
Yellow Wife
by Sadeqa Johnson
Published January 2021
Looking for a book that grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go? Yellow Wife is one of those rare reads. It follows Pheby, a young enslaved woman who believes she’s destined for freedom—until she’s thrust into the brutal world of a notorious jail in Richmond, Virginia. What unfolds is harrowing, emotional, and completely unforgettable. Johnson’s writing is vivid and raw, and Pheby’s story is both heartbreaking and powerful. If you love historical fiction that faces the hard truths and still celebrates strength and resilience, this one needs to be on your list.
The Secrets We Kept
Author
Published September 2019
Maybe it’s because I’m an ’80s baby, but I love a good Cold War story—and it doesn’t get much better than The Secrets We Kept. Told from multiple points of view, this twisty, spy-filled historical fiction gem is packed with intrigue, scandal, and secrets. Based on the true story of the CIA’s covert mission to smuggle Dr. Zhivago out of the USSR, it brilliantly blends fact and fiction. I’ve always loved David Lean’s film adaptation of Dr. Zhivago, so I might be a little biased—but I still stand by this: The Secrets We Kept is one of the best historical fiction novels out there. With sharp writing, layered storytelling, and a surprising romance, Lara Prescott delivers a Cold War tale that truly keeps you guessing.
The Good Left Undone
by Adriana Trigiani
Published April 2022
The Good Left Undone was my first Adriana Trigiani novel—and definitely won’t be my last. Trigiani’s gift for crafting rich, complex characters shines on every page. This heartfelt story has a little something for everyone: historical romance, women in service, family secrets, scandal, and deeply emotional drama. What really sets it apart is the immersive cultural detail—her Italian heritage pours through the pages, bringing WWII-era Italy to life in vivid, authentic ways. I couldn’t put this one down, which is exactly why it earns a well-deserved spot on my list of best historical fiction books.
The Alice Network
by Kate Quinn
Published June 2017
I’ve read all of Kate Quinn’s WWII novels, and while The Alice Network isn’t my personal favorite, it’s hands-down the best place to start if you’re new to historical fiction—or new to Quinn herself. This fast-paced, dual-timeline story follows Charlie St. Clair, a determined young British woman searching for her missing cousin, and Eve, a jaded ex-spy from WWI with secrets of her own. It’s got intrigue, strong female leads, and one of Quinn’s most satisfying endings. Oh, and did I mention the hot Scottish love interest? If you’re looking to escape into the past, The Alice Network is the perfect entry point into Quinn’s world of bold women, dangerous missions, and emotional depth.
Looking for Jane
by Heather Marshall
Published February 2023
Anyone interested in the history of women’s rights needs to read Looking for Jane. Centered on the real-life Jane Network, this powerful novel unfolds across three timelines and perspectives, weaving a story full of heartbreak, hope, and resilience. It tackles heavy themes—abortion, infertility, adoption, and suicide—with care and emotional depth, so readers should be mindful. Still, this is feminist fiction at its finest, and I truly believe it should be required reading. It’s a story of courage, compassion, and the fight for bodily autonomy that lingers long after the final page.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Published June 2017
Taylor Jenkins Reid can do no wrong in my book, but The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo stands above the rest. Evelyn is one of the most fascinating and controversial main characters I’ve ever read—and the level of detail and research in this novel is truly next level. If you’re a fan of Classic Hollywood, this one’s a must-read. Loosely inspired by icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, and Ava Gardner, Evelyn’s story is as glamorous as it is heartbreaking. It’s a dazzling, unforgettable tale that belongs in the spotlight—and on every historical fiction lover’s shelf.
The Sweet Blue Distance
by Sara Donati
Published April 2024
The Sweet Blue Distance is everything I love in historical fiction—lush, immersive, and full of emotional depth. It follows Carrie Ballentyne, a strong, independent woman who leaves everything familiar behind to start over in the rugged New Mexico Territory. Her journey west is one of courage, reinvention, and quiet resilience. And yes—there’s a slow-burning romance that adds just the right amount of tension and tenderness. Sara Donati’s writing is rich with detail, and the wide-open landscape feels as alive as the characters. If you love stories about bold women, fresh starts, and the risks we take to find ourselves (and maybe love), this one is a must-read.
California Golden
by Melanie Benjamin
Published August 2024
California Golden is sun-soaked, emotional, and deeply nostalgic in all the best ways. Set in 1960s California, it follows two sisters growing up in the shadow of their surf-legend mother—grappling with identity, abandonment, and the bond that refuses to break. It’s messy, raw, and beautifully written. If you love historical fiction with complicated family dynamics, a strong sense of place, and just the right amount of heartbreak, this one’s for you.
Trespasses
by Louise Kennedy
Published November 2022
Trespasses is gritty, intimate, and absolutely gripping. Set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, it’s a love story tangled in politics, violence, and impossible choices. The writing is sharp, the tension constant, and the emotional weight sneaks up on you. It’s one of those books that lingers—quietly devastating in the best way. If you love historical fiction that blends the personal with the political—and isn’t afraid to break your heart—this one is a must-read. The ending left me reeling.
We Were the Lucky Ones
by Georgia Hunter
Published February 2017
We Were the Lucky Ones is one of those rare books that completely pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Based on the true story of a Jewish family separated during WWII, it’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and unbelievably moving. I was in awe of the strength, love, and resilience on every page. If you’re drawn to historical fiction that’s emotional, sweeping, and rooted in truth—this one is an absolute must-read. It reminded me why I love this genre so much.
Red Clay
by Charles Fancher
February 2025
Red Clay is powerful, raw, and beautifully told. Set in the American South, it’s a story about identity, justice, and the deep wounds of racism that ripple through generations. The writing is honest and emotional, with characters that feel so real it hurts. If you love historical fiction that digs deep and doesn’t flinch, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s the kind of book that stays with you—and makes you think long after you’ve turned the last page. I couldn’t stop highlighting passages; every line felt important.
The Marriage Portrait
by Maggie O'Farrell
Published September 2022
The Marriage Portrait is haunting, lush, and completely absorbing. Maggie O’Farrell brings Renaissance Italy to life through the eyes of young Lucrezia, a duchess trapped in a gilded cage. The writing is lyrical and tense, with every page humming with quiet dread and beauty. If you love historical fiction that’s atmospheric, character-driven, and deeply emotional—this one’s for you. I was hooked from the first line. It’s a slow burn in the best way, and by the end, I was breathless. O’Farrell proves once again she’s a master at turning history into something intimate and unforgettable.
The Paris Wife
by Paula McClain
February 2011
The Paris Wife is tender, heartbreaking, and beautifully written. It tells the story of Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, and what it was like to love a man destined for greatness—and self-destruction. Set against the glittering backdrop of 1920s Paris, this book captures love, ambition, and loss in such a raw, human way. If you’re into historical fiction with emotional depth and complicated relationships, this one’s a must-read. I felt every ache of Hadley’s story.
What the Wind Knows
by Amy Harmon
Published March 2019
What the Wind Knows is pure magic. Time travel, Irish history, and a love story that absolutely swept me away—what more could you ask for? Amy Harmon’s writing is so lyrical and immersive, I felt like I was walking the shores of Lough Gill right alongside the characters. It’s emotional, romantic, and rich with historical detail in the best way. I couldn’t put it down, and I didn’t want it to end. If you’re into love stories with depth, mystery, and a touch of the mystical, this one’s a must-read.
Rules of Civility
by Amor Towles
Published July 2011
Rules of Civility is like stepping into a black-and-white film—in the best way. Set in dazzling 1930s New York, it’s glamorous, sharp, and quietly devastating. Amor Towles absolutely nails the vibe of ambition, reinvention, and heartbreak with characters that feel both flawed and magnetic. It’s full of crisp dialogue, champagne-soaked evenings, and the kind of twists that sneak up on you. If you love historical fiction with elegance, edge, and a little emotional punch, this one’s a total must-read.
The Lady of the Rivers
by Philippa Gregory
Published September 2011
Looking for your next juicy historical fiction binge? The Lady of the Rivers delivers. Philippa Gregory gives us Jacquetta of Luxembourg—a bold, magical, and underestimated woman who refuses to play by the rules. With court intrigue, forbidden love, and just enough witchy vibes, this book has everything I love in historical fiction. It’s fast-paced, dramatic, and totally addictive. Don’t sleep on this one! If you're into strong women navigating dangerous power plays with a hint of the mystical, this one's calling your name. Bonus: it's the first in an excellent series!
In Memoriam
by Alice Winn
Published March 2023
In Memoriam absolutely wrecked me—in the best way. Set during WWI, it follows two British schoolboys whose secret love unfolds against the backdrop of one of the most brutal wars in history. The writing is stunning, the emotions are raw, and the tension between duty, identity, and desire is heartbreaking. If you love historical fiction that’s both tender and devastating, this one will stay with you long after the final page.
Final Thoughts
There are so many incredible types of historical fiction out there, it’s nearly impossible to pick favorites—but these are some of the best historical fiction books that have stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Whether you’re new to the genre or simply searching for your next unforgettable read, I highly recommend each of these standout novels.
Before You Go
Be sure to sign up for my email newsletter, where I share updates about the latest reading wrap-ups and blog posts, must-see book deals, and behind-the-scenes updates! And for even more fun, head to BookTube, Bookstagram, or Bindery for all things bookish!
