Saturday, January 11, 2025

This month’s best new historical fiction

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month's Best New Historical Fiction
 
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Book cover for The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
'Solidifies Davis's place as a reigning queen of historical fiction' (Allison Pataki)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • From the wildly popular New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace and The Lions of Fifth Avenue
  • When a valuable Egyptian artifact goes missing, an unlikely duo must travel from New York City to Cairo to track it down
  • Glowing reviews from Kristin Harmel and Lisa Scottoline
FEATURED IN:
Book of the Month, People, Town & Country, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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Book cover for Homeseeking by Karissa Chen
Two people, six decades, and a single choice that changes everything
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "Weaves expertly between present and past… A kaleidoscopic yet intimate view of the Chinese diaspora" (Celeste Ng)
  • In 1947, childhood sweethearts Suchi and Haiwen are torn apart after Haiwen secretly enlists in the army — but 60 years later, they unexpectedly reunite
  • Will transport readers to Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Taiwan, and beyond
  • "Sweeping, epic… A dazzling debut" (Kirstin Chen, author of Counterfeit)
FEATURED IN:
Good Morning America Book Club, Book of the Month, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, Vogue, Good Housekeeping, San Francisco Chronicle, The Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage, Electric Literature
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Book cover for The Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang
See why Heather Morris says this 'brilliantly written' novel is 'hard to put down'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 19th-century China, Little Flower is sold as a maidservant to spoiled Linjing — intertwining their fates in unexpected ways
  • An unforgettable story of ambition, courage, and survival
  • "I can't wait to recommend this novel to everyone I know" (Alka Joshi, author of The Henna Artist)
FEATURED IN:
Book of the Month, Good Housekeeping, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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Book cover for The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf by Isa Arsén
Kelly Rimmer and Madeline Martin are raving about this juicy page-turner
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In the 1950s, two actors in an unconventional marriage are drawn into a dangerous scheme that could tear them apart for good
  • "Readers in the mood for a spicy period piece will find plenty to enjoy" (Publishers Weekly)
  • Shakespeare fans will relish in the drama and the references to the legendary playwright
FEATURED IN:
Town & Country, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage, Electric Literature, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Mother of Rome by Lauren J. A. Bear
Spotlights a fierce, often-overlooked woman from Roman legend
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Uncover the story of Rhea, the mother of twins Romulus and Remus — from her upbringing as a princess to the sacrifices she made for her sons
  • "Superb… Highly recommended for readers who love mythological retellings like Madeline Miller's Circe" (Library Journal starred review)
  • Brings ancient Rome to vivid, captivating life
FEATURED IN:
Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage
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Book cover for The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler
Don't miss this 'excellent historical series launch' (Publishers Weekly starred review)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 1898 Chicago, Harriet Morrow is the first woman detective at a prestigious agency — but can she track down a missing maid?
  • Builds to a shocking conclusion you won't see coming
  • "Osler has created a likable heroine, a good mystery, and a solid LGBTQIA+ fiction entry" (Library Journal)
FEATURED IN:
The Washington Post, Parade, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal
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Book cover for The Unexpected Diva by Tiffany L. Warren
Uncover the captivating true story of a 19th-century Black opera singer
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, a formerly enslaved woman, pursues her dreams to become a touring professional singer in Civil War–era America
  • "This triumphant tale is sure to be an instant classic" (Victoria Christopher Murray, coauthor of The Personal Librarian)
  • Fans of Marie Benedict and novels about little-known historical women will want to pick this up
FEATURED IN:
Kirkus Reviews
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Book cover for The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap
Historical fiction meets true crime in this gothic page-turner
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • A must-read for fans of The Alienist
  • In 19th-century Edinburgh, James pursues his dreams of studying surgery — but a dangerous bargain with a body snatcher puts him in the crosshairs of two serial killers
  • "A thrilling debut that will have readers turning pages deep into the night" (Hester Fox, author of The Last Heir to Blackwood Library)
FEATURED IN:
Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, BookPage
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Book cover for The Players by Minette Walters
Treachery, danger, and espionage abound in 17th-century England
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • From the Edgar Award–winning author of The Swift and the Harrier
  • In a divided nation, bloody battles ensue between Catholics and Protestants — and Lady Jayne Harrier sets out to save rebels from the gallows
  • "Historical fiction as it should be and at its best… Will stand the test of time" (Elizabeth Chadwick)
FEATURED IN:
The Times
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Book cover for Home and Away by Rochelle Alers
Can Harper share her family's story — and rewrite her own?
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Unhappy with her career, journalist Harper leaves Chicago for Nashville, where she learns about her great-grandfather's time in the Negro Baseball Leagues
  • Penned by an award-winning author who's written more than 80 novels
  • A sweeping, powerful tale spanning more than eight decades
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