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 I’d take a closer look at some of these today. This because I rarely if ever features historical novels to read. Let’s see what we can find.
LIST | FALL FASHION 2023: WHAT EXPERTS SAY IS TRENDING
📚 HISTORICAL NOVELS YOU MAY ENJOY (AND LINKS TO ADD THEM TO YOUR TBR) 📚 Another #TopTen list. How many have you read? Features @Jennieke_Cohen, @LynnNAustin, @AmalieHoward, @MimiMatthewsEsq + more! #TopTenTuesday #BookList #Reader… Click To TweetFor me, of the historical novels I do pick up, they’re usually by an author I have read and didn’t feel “cheated” by in that I mean the story is still engrossing. I’m 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 we’re going to focus on fictional stories today and the ones I’ve loved, and the ones I’ve 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 I’d enjoy this one, too, right? Goodreads
CHASING SHADOWS, LYNN AUSTIN
I hear that Lynn’s 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 else’s book list?) but it’s now on my bookshelf (or rather in a stack on my floor by the bookcase) and now I’m wondering, is it a good read? Goodreads
THE DAUGHTER OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, LEONARD GOLDBERG
This one, if I’m 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 don’t know. Either way, it could be a fun read. Goodreads
QUEEN BEE, AMALIE HOWARD
This one I’ve seen a lot making the rounds and I’m curious. Is it any good? It’s 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 haven’t yet read them. Are they good? ‘Time’ Goodreads • ‘Wait’ 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, I’ll need to buy a paperback because a: I don’t like reading on Kindle and b: I don’t 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 don’t think I’ve 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 I’m 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 I’m quite as enthralled by but nonetheless, I’m going to read it! Goodreads
SUNRISE AT NORMANDY (SERIES), SARAH SUNDIN
I’ve read quite a few novels by Sarah, and she’s consistently a favorite. However this is a series I haven’t yet read. Now I’m 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 didn’t 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 don’t remember what it’s 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? I’m not sure but I think it’s the first book I reviewed by her so it stands that it’s 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. It’s a multi generation and bittersweet series, and to be honest, I cannot remember if it ends well or not. Bookshop.org | Goodreads
IN THE SHADOW OF CROFT TOWERS, ABIGAIL WILSON
It’s been a while now since I read this, but I rated it four stars so I’m guessing it was an enjoyable Gothic read. Goodreads
How many of these have you read? Which ones did you like? Which ones (that I haven’t read) should I finally read? Do any deserve the time or are they unhauls? Comment all of your thoughts. Let’s talk.
PINTEREST PIN – SAVE & SHARE
Thank you for visiting; please come back soon.
Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl August 22: Genre Freebie (Pick a genre and build a list around it.)
I’m here to say YES, you should read a Mimi Matthews novel! (As I’ve 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 “story world” incorporated in a series with a follow up and overlapping characters from another novel. It has all the Beauty & the Beast (Arthur is 😍) 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.
I’m 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 “content roundup” thing last month or last, and needless to say, it was my most popular “downloaded” title of all the ones I shared so far. People love her books! So happy to know Katherine’s 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! I’ve 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. I’ve had the Sherlock book on my shelf for a while, yet I’m still curious. :)
Historical novels have been a super popular pick this week. Hope you find lots of great new reads on other folks’ blogs. :)
Here is my Top Ten Tuesday post.
I feel like the only person who doesn’t “love” historical fiction. I have the few I enjoy, but overall, it’s not a favorite genre. Hoping I find some good ones to try too! Thanks for visiting, Lydia.
I don’t think I’ve 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 haven’t 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
I’m so glad to know this! I do hear great things about her books so I’m 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 haven’t read them (yet) but what I have read by Sarah is good. :)
Historical is one of those genres I’m always saying I should read more of, but then never actually pick one up… These do look good though, I’ll need to check them out!
Same here, Lindsey! I mean I do read some once in a while, but it’s rare. Someday I may pick up more. :)
Katherine Reay is someone I want to read. Soon I hope.
The books I’ve read by her are really good! :)
I must have just picked up the odd Mimi Matthews book (don’t want to offend anyone so won’t say what it was), but it went in such an odd direction I had to put it down. I haven’t 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.
That’s totally fair, Cindy! I had a historical book like that a couple of years ago that everyone was LOVING and I just didn’t fall head over heels for. It’s just one of those things. Some books work for a reader and some don’t. This is why there’s 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 won’t read vs authors I always do ;D).
I love historical novels and tv shows/movies! I haven’t read any of these, so I’ll 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 don’t seem to read them much. Someday. ;)
I’m a big hist fic fan, although I’ve actually only read two of these and sadly, I didn’t love either of them. I can be hard to please, though! Ha ha.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Totally fair and that’s why we have so many books out there, Susan! Some work for some readers and some don’t. :)
I love Historical Romance. It’s 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!!! 😀
YES! No matter our favorite genre, there’s always SO many to catch up on. Glad to know you enjoy Mimi’s 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 haven’t 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 other’s Top Ten Tuesday posts sound really intriguing too! Part of the fun. :)