Best New Historical Fiction Books To Read in 2024
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Are you looking for a captivating escape to another era, a chance to walk in the shoes of unforgettable characters and experience the triumphs and challenges of the past? Then look no further than the enthralling world of historical fiction!
This year promises an exceptional selection of new releases, each transporting you to a unique time period. From the bustling streets of San Francisco during World War II to the intricate social fabric of pre-Civil War Philadelphia, prepare to be swept away by captivating stories, encounter unforgettable heroes and heroines, and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience across the ages.
Happy Reading!
If you’re looking for all the upcoming books, take a look at
New Historical Fictions For Book Clubs
The Women
by Kristin Hannah
Publication Date: February 13, 2024
Frankie McGrath, a young nursing student raised on idyllic Coronado Island, makes the impulsive decision to join the Army Nurse Corps during the height of the Vietnam War. Inexperienced and overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war, Frankie must navigate through both physical and emotional challenges as she serves her country alongside her male counterparts. Through her journey, Frankie discovers strength and resilience within herself and ultimately becomes a symbol of the countless women who have bravely served their country in times of war.
The Storm We Made
by Vanessa Chan
Publication Date: January 2, 2024
As the storm of war rages around them, a family in Malaya must grapple with secrets, betrayal, and the forces that will test their unbreakable bonds. Cecily Alcantara is desperate to protect her family from the chaos of World War II. But when her son goes missing, and her daughter is forced into a life of servitude, Cecily knows she must act. As she struggles to keep her family safe, Cecily is haunted by the choices she made in the past and the consequences they have on her loved ones.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts
by Katherine Arden
Publication Date: February 13, 2024
During the First World War, two siblings are torn apart by the horrors of war. Laura Iven, a field nurse, is forced to return home after being wounded and learns of her brother Freddie’s death. Unconvinced of his fate, she sets out on a journey to Belgium to uncover the truth. Freddie, on the other hand, finds himself trapped in an overturned pillbox with a wounded enemy soldier. Against all odds, they form an unlikely alliance and seek refuge from the brutal realities of war.
The Great Divide
by Cristina Henríquez
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and foreign intervention, this story follows the intersecting paths of Francisco, Omar, Ada, John, and many others as they navigate their way through life in Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal. Each character has their own struggles and aspirations, yet they are all brought together by the common thread of working towards a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
Hard by a Great Forest
by Leo Vardiashvili
Publication Date: January 30, 2024
Saba returns to his homeland of Georgia after years in exile. With haunting memories and a sense of longing for his past life, Saba must navigate through the rubble of his country and its people to find answers about his father’s disappearance.
The Sicilian Inheritance
by Jo Piazza
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Sara Marsala’s life takes an unexpected turn after the death of her great-aunt Rosie. With nothing left to lose, Sara embarks on a journey to Sicily, where she discovers a family secret and uncovers the true story of her great-grandmother Serafina, a woman who fought for justice and equality in a time when it was not accepted and ultimately paid the price for it.
Most Anticipated Historical Fictions of 2024
Unsinkable
by Jenni L. Walsh
Publication Date: January 9, 2024
Two women whose lives intertwine as they face insurmountable obstacles with courage and determination. From the sinking of the Titanic to World War II, these two stories will inspire and captivate readers, reminding them of the strength within us all to overcome any adversity.
The Bullet Swallower
by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
Set in 1895 and 1964, the novel follows the stories of Antonio Sonoro and his great-grandson Jaime as they navigate their tumultuous lives in Mexico. In a world where violence and betrayal are commonplace, both men must confront the past and make amends for the sins of their ancestors in order to secure a better future for themselves and their families.
The Underground Library
by Jennifer Ryan
Publication Date: March 12, 2024
As the Blitz ravages London during World War II, three young women working at Bethnal Green Library must band together to save not only their beloved library but also their community. Based on true events, this novel tells the story of Juliet Lansdown, Katie Upwood, and Sofie Baumann as they navigate love, loss, and hardship amidst the chaos of war.
Becoming Madam Secretary
by Stephanie Dray
Publication Date: March 12, 2024
As Frances Perkins immerses herself in the vibrant and ever-changing social scene of New York City, she quickly becomes acquainted with some influential figures of the time. From wealthy socialites to aspiring authors, each individual offers a unique perspective on the world and inspires Frances to continue her fight for change.
The Woman With No Name
by Audrey Blake
Publication Date: March 12, 2024
Yvonne Rudellat’s life is forever changed by one pivotal event – the bombing of her home during World War II. After losing everything and being estranged from her loved ones, she is allowed to start anew when recruited as Britain’s first female sabotage agent. But as she becomes known as the nameless woman who takes down Nazis with explosives, she must navigate danger, betrayal, and her inner turmoil.
Diva
by Daisy Goodwin
Publication Date: January 23, 2024
The story of Maria Callas, the world-renowned opera singer known as “la divina,” and her tumultuous love affair with shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Raised in Nazi-occupied Greece by a mother who exploited her talent, Callas found fame and fortune in the glamorous world of opera.
Save for Later
Finding Margaret Fuller
by Allison Pataki
Publication Date: March 19, 2024
This book is an intriguing reimagining of the life of Margaret Fuller, a fiercely independent woman who defied societal expectations and made her mark in history. Attracted to the intellectual circles of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Fuller became a central figure among the Transcendentalists, inspiring and challenging notable writers such as Louisa May Alcott and Nathaniel Hawthorne. But her restless soul craves more than just literary pursuits, and she forges her own path, becoming an influential figure in the fight for women’s rights and social justice.
All We Were Promised
by Ashton Lattimore
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
This powerful debut novel, set in pre-Civil War Philadelphia, tells the story of Charlotte, a young Black woman who escaped from slavery and is now struggling to find her freedom in a city that claims to be the birthplace of American liberty. Alongside her friend Nell, an abolitionist from a wealthy Black family, Charlotte navigates the dangers and challenges of living as a Black woman in a city rife with race riots and attacks on abolitionists.
The House on Biscayne Bay
by Chanel Cleeton
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
by Janet Skeslien Charles
Publication Date: April 30, 2024
Two librarians, one in 1918 and one in 1987, are connected by their shared passion for books and determination to make a positive impact during times of war. As they navigate through challenges and unexpected twists, both women prove that courage and literature can inspire change.
Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
A powerful and evocative story about the resilience of women during the backdrop of China’s civil war in 1948, told through the eyes of four sisters in rural Shandong. As they struggle to survive in the midst of civil war and discrimination for being female, they embark on a journey that takes them through different parts of China and eventually to Taiwan. Through their determination and sacrifice, they pave the way for future generations of women to claim their own stories and break free from societal constraints.
Shelterwood
by Lisa Wingate
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Two women, generations apart, are drawn to a remote area in Oklahoma where they uncover the truth behind a long-hidden crime. Ollie, a young girl from the early 1900s, must navigate through the treacherous landscape of her time, facing threats from her stepfather and dangers lurking in the wilderness. Val, on the other hand, is a modern woman trying to balance her career and single parenthood while uncovering the truth behind a heinous crime.
The Forgotten Names
by Mario Escobar
Publication Date: June 11, 2024
A powerful and moving story that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the Holocaust: the rescue of 108 Jewish children from Vénissieux, France. Set in both the past and present, this novel follows a law student’s journey to uncover the truth behind these forgotten names and the incredible acts of courage that saved them.
Husbands & Lovers
by Beatriz Williams
Publication Date: June 25, 2024
Set in both New England in 2022 and Cairo in 1951, the story follows single mother Mallory Dunne and Hungarian refugee Hannah Ainsworth as they navigate their own personal tragedies and secrets. As their lives intersect in unexpected ways, they must confront their pasts and the choices they have made.
The Briar Club
by Kate Quinn
Publication Date: July 9, 2024
Set in 1950s Washington, D.C., a diverse group of women living in an all-female boardinghouse are brought together by the mysterious widow Grace March. When a violent act threatens their friendship, they must confront their own secrets and determine who among them is the true enemy.
By Any Other Name
by Jodi Picoult
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
A journey of two women, Melina Green and Emilia Bassano, who are separated by centuries but connected by their love for writing. As they navigate through different time periods and societal expectations, both women must confront the reality that their voices may not be welcomed in a world where men hold all the power. Despite these challenges, they continue to pursue their passion and make sacrifices in order to share their stories with the world.
Save for Later
There Are Rivers in The Sky
by Elif Shafak
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
Three lives, two rivers, one story – Arthur, Narin, and Zaleekah, all living in different times but interconnected through their deep connection to two important rivers in history. As they navigate their own personal struggles, they are also drawn to the same ancient poem, The Epic of Gilgamesh, which tells the story of two rivers and the journey of a hero.
The Booklover’s Library
by Madeline Martin
Publication Date: September 10, 2024
When Emma Taylor needs a job, she’s grateful to land a position at Boots’ Booklover’s Library. But as war looms in England and her daughter is evacuated, Emma must find strength and comfort in the pages of books and the support of her new friends. As she faces personal challenges and the devastating effects of the Blitz, Emma learns to rely on the power of literature and her community to find hope in even the darkest times.
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern
by Lynda Cohen Loigman
Publication Date: October 8, 2024
Set in 1920s Brooklyn and present-day Florida, the story follows Augusta Stern, a retired pharmacist who reconnects with her past when she moves to an active senior community. As she unexpectedly reunites with the delivery boy from her father’s pharmacy, Augusta is forced to confront her past mistakes and the mysterious potions and remedies she learned from her great aunt.
Best New Historical Mystery Books
The Djinn Waits A Hundred Years
by Shubnum Khan
Publication Date: January 9, 2024
Sana, a young woman who thirsts for knowledge, finds herself inexplicably drawn to the locked East Wing at Akbar Manzil. As she delves deeper into its secrets, she uncovers the tragic story of Meena, a young woman who died there a century ago. But it’s not just the secrets of the past that Sana unravels. She also discovers an invisible djinn, a spirit haunting the mansion since Meena’s death and still mourning her loss.
The Phoenix Crown
by Kate Quinn and Janie Chang
Publication Date: February 13, 2024
Gemma and Suling, two women from vastly different backgrounds, are brought together by their shared desire for a better life in the bustling city of San Francisco. Despite their differences, they form an unlikely friendship as they navigate the challenges and opportunities their surroundings present. One fateful encounter with the enigmatic Henry Thornton sets them on a path toward their dreams and leads them down a dangerous road of deception and betrayal.
A Murder Most French
by Colleen Cambridge
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
A delectable mix of mystery and culinary delights, set in the vibrant city of Paris during the midcentury. Julia Child’s best friend, Tabitha Knight, finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation after witnessing the death of one of the master chefs at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. Along with her friend Julia, Tabitha must use her knowledge of French cuisine and her sharp deductive skills to unravel the mystery before more lives are lost.
Which of these new releases are you most eager to dive into? Let me know in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear your picks!