HISTORICAL NOVELS YOU MAY ENJOY (AND LINKS TO ADD THEM TO YOUR TBR)
When it comes to the genre of a book, I rarely stray from contemporary. Largely because its what I enjoy most as a majority, and reading to me should be about enjoyment. Once in a while I pick up a new historical novel or one catches my fancy or I even find one that I do read and enjoy. I thought Iโd take a closer look at some of these today. This because I rarely if ever features historical novels to read. Letโs see what we can find.
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๐ HISTORICAL NOVELS YOU MAY ENJOY (AND LINKS TO ADD THEM TO YOUR TBR) ๐ Another #TopTen list. How many have you read? Features @Jennieke_Cohen, @LynnNAustin, @AmalieHoward, @MimiMatthewsEsq + more! #TopTenTuesday #BookList #Readerโฆ Share on XFor me, of the historical novels I do pick up, theyโre usually by an author I have read and didnโt feel โcheatedโ by in that I mean the story is still engrossing. Iโm also that odd person who adores historical dramas in TV or film, but rarely love a fictional novel set in history. Although we did create a list of 12 WWII novels, so I guess we do sometimes cover the genre. Like I said, weird. But weโre going to focus on fictional stories today and the ones Iโve loved, and the ones Iโve heard about ad nauseum. But hey, we all love books and I talk about the contemporary books I adore way too much, so we all get it.
HISTORICAL NOVELS TO READ
SUITORS AND SABOTAGE, CINDY ANSTEY
Read Carols and Chaos a few years ago, and enjoyed it more than expected. Stands to reason Iโd enjoy this one, too, right? Goodreads
CHASING SHADOWS, LYNN AUSTIN
I hear that Lynnโs novels are good, and years ago, I even read a novel by her set during the Civil War. Goodreads
MY FINE FELLOW, JENNIEKE COHEN
Not sure how I ran across this one (maybe on someone elseโs book list?) but itโs now on my bookshelf (or rather in a stack on my floor by the bookcase) and now Iโm wondering, is it a good read? Goodreads
THE DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, LEONARD GOLDBERG
This one, if Iโm remembering right, is about the daughter (as the title says) of Holmes and maybe the son of Dr. Watson works into the plot as well? I donโt know. Either way, it could be a fun read. Goodreads
QUEEN BEE, AMALIE HOWARD
This one Iโve seen a lot making the rounds and Iโm curious. Is it any good? Itโs a YA historical novel that sounds like it could be interesting. Goodreads
IN ANOTHER TIME and WAIT FOR ME, CAROLINE LEECH
These have been on my shelf for a long time and while curious, I havenโt yet read them. Are they good? โTimeโ Goodreads โข โWaitโ Goodreads
THE WORK OF ART, MIMI MATTHEWS
I picked this one up on Kindle a few weeks ago because it was a free promo or something. However if I actually want to read it, Iโll need to buy a paperback because a: I donโt like reading on Kindle and b: I donโt have an operational one. So, question is, should I read a novel by Mimi? I do see her books praise EVERYWHERE! Goodreads
THE LONDON HOUSE, KATHERINE REAY
Despite liking her contemporary novels, I donโt think Iโve read a historical novel by Katherine. Needless to say, maybe should be something I remedy. Goodreads
A SECRET PRINCESS, MARGARET STOHL + MELISSA DE LA CRUZ
You all know I adored Jo & Laurie so Iโm super curious to read this follow up novel from the same duo. This one is said to be a mix of A Little Princess and The Secret Garden. Not a story Iโm quite as enthralled by but nonetheless, Iโm going to read it! Goodreads
SUNRISE AT NORMANDY (SERIES), SARAH SUNDIN
Iโve read quite a few novels by Sarah, and sheโs consistently a favorite. However this is a series I havenโt yet read. Now Iโm wondering, have you and do I need to prioritize this trio? Goodreads
SIX of the HISTORICAL BOOKS ONCE I READ
BRIDES OF MONTCLAIR, JANE PEART
Read these years ago. I think I was given a box of books after my cousin passed away years ago, and these were some of them. I have this vague memory that I had to hunt down the rest of the series because she didnโt own them all, and I also remember enjoying the novels. Goodreads
TO HONOR AND TRUST, TRACIE PETERSON and JUDITH MILLER
Read this one so long ago I donโt remember what itโs about, but I remember I was so excited to finally read this one. Goodreads
THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY, MARY ANN SHAFFER
Surprised I liked this one, and yet, I did. Such a charming story. Goodreads
IN PERFECT TIME, SARAH SUNDIN
One of the novels I have read by Sarah, and in fact, perhaps the first I read by her? Iโm not sure but I think itโs the first book I reviewed by her so it stands that itโs also my introduction to her novels. Goodreads
HEIRESS, SUSAN MAY WARREN
Note: the Bookshop.org link is an affiliate link.
Long before Downton Abbey was a thing, I read this series and was swept away. Itโs a multi generation and bittersweet series, and to be honest, I cannot remember if it ends well or not. Goodreads
IN THE SHADOW OF CROFT TOWERS, ABIGAIL WILSON
Itโs been a while now since I read this, but I rated it four stars so Iโm guessing it was an enjoyable Gothic read. Goodreads
How many of these have you read? Which of our โHistorical Novels to Readโ did you like? Which ones (that I havenโt read) should I finally read? Do any deserve the time or are they unhauls? Comment all of your thoughts. Letโs talk.
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Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl August 22: Genre Freebie (Pick a genre and build a list around it.)
Iโm here to say YES, you should read a Mimi Matthews novel! (As Iโve likely shouted before). The Work of Art is a great one to start with as it is kind of a standalone story which is now part of a bigger โstory worldโ incorporated in a series with a follow up and overlapping characters from another novel. It has all the Beauty & the Beast (Arthur is ๐) vibes, plus has a marriage of convenience.
The London House is one I enjoyed! Like you, it was different to read a historical POV from Katherine but just as engaging as her contemporaries.
Iโm telling you, girl, you know just what to say to convince me. ;) B&TB? Yes! Marriage of convenience? Um, YES! Sounds so good. I think I gave a Mimi Matthews book away in my โcontent roundupโ thing last month or last, and needless to say, it was my most popular โdownloadedโ title of all the ones I shared so far. People love her books! So happy to know Katherineโs is good. I just NEED to read her books again because I do enjoy them. :)
I, too, enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society! Iโve read one book in the Daughter of Sherlock Holmes series and enjoyed it.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/visit-michigan-in-ten-books/
This is all lovely to know, Pam. Iโve had the Sherlock book on my shelf for a while, yet Iโm still curious. :)
Historical novels have been a super popular pick this week. Hope you find lots of great new reads on other folksโ blogs. :)
Here is my Top Ten Tuesday post.
I feel like the only person who doesnโt โloveโ historical fiction. I have the few I enjoy, but overall, itโs not a favorite genre. Hoping I find some good ones to try too! Thanks for visiting, Lydia.
I donโt think Iโve read many historical novels, but it is definitely a genre I should explore. Thank you for the reccs x
Always love a good recommendation! Thanks for visiting, Caroline. :)
I havenโt read any of these, so I will have to keep them in mind for when I want historical fiction. Thanks for sharing!
We love finding some new book possibilities, right? :) Thanks for stopping by, Deanna.
Mimi Matthews is one of my favorites, her stories are lovely and the romance so sweet or fun
Iโm so glad to know this! I do hear great things about her books so Iโm always curious. :) Thanks so much for visiting!
I loved the Sunrise at Normandy series enough to buy all three at only a partial discount, which is not something I often do. I read them out of order and look forward to reading them again, in order, to get the full effect of the story of the three estranged brothers. I highly recommend!
The Normandy books sound good. I havenโt read them (yet) but what I have read by Sarah is good. :)
Historical is one of those genres Iโm always saying I should read more of, but then never actually pick one upโฆ These do look good though, Iโll need to check them out!
Same here, Lindsey! I mean I do read some once in a while, but itโs rare. Someday I may pick up more. :)
Katherine Reay is someone I want to read. Soon I hope.
The books Iโve read by her are really good! :)
I must have just picked up the odd Mimi Matthews book (donโt want to offend anyone so wonโt say what it was), but it went in such an odd direction I had to put it down. I havenโt tried another although I have several on my TBR. I have The London House but have not read it yet. There are a few authors who write Historical Fiction that I love and others that I have no interest in. I feel like the genre has come a long way in the past 5-10 years, so I am more likely to read one now.
Thatโs totally fair, Cindy! I had a historical book like that a couple of years ago that everyone was LOVING and I just didnโt fall head over heels for. Itโs just one of those things. Some books work for a reader and some donโt. This is why thereโs so many to choose from. :) I enjoyed reading your thoughts on historical fiction, too. I want to read more and definitely have that with contemporary authors (authors I wonโt read vs authors I always do ;D).
I love historical novels and tv shows/movies! I havenโt read any of these, so Iโll definitely be looking into them. Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
I watch lots of historical/period drama movies and I actually watched more in the past. But when it comes to novels, I just donโt seem to read them much. Someday. ;)
Iโm a big hist fic fan, although Iโve actually only read two of these and sadly, I didnโt love either of them. I can be hard to please, though! Ha ha.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Totally fair and thatโs why we have so many books out there, Susan! Some work for some readers and some donโt. :)
I love Historical Romance. Itโs my go-to genre. With that said, I still have SO many to catch up on. Mimi Matthew is one of my favorite authors, but I still need to The Work of Art. One day!!! ๐
YES! No matter our favorite genre, thereโs always SO many to catch up on. Glad to know you enjoy Mimiโs books, Nicole.
Oooh! Great list! I rarely read a lot of historical novels, but these books sound interesting!
We love the Top Ten lists for their ability to introduce us to new books. :)
Great list! I love historical fiction novels, but havenโt heard of any of these! Some of them sound super intriguing, so I might just have to check some out.
I know how you feel, Leah. I find some books from the lists of otherโs Top Ten Tuesday posts sound really intriguing too! Part of the fun. :)