There’s something deeply magical about historical fiction books—the way they blend rich historical detail with unforgettable storytelling, transporting readers into eras long gone. Whether it’s the drama of war-torn Europe, the grandeur of royal courts, or the quiet struggles of everyday people, the best historical fiction novels bring the past to life with such vibrancy, you can almost hear the rustle of petticoats or the distant boom of cannon fire.
If you’re a book lover who enjoys getting lost in another time, this list is your next time machine. We’re diving into trending historical novels, emotional historical fiction, and even historical fiction viral reads that have everyone on BookTok, Instagram, and Goodreads buzzing. From World War 2 fiction to historical romance novels to sweeping historical fiction epics, these reads are here to break your heart, lift your spirits, and teach you something new about the world we once lived in.
🌍 Why Historical Fiction Still Captivates Us
There’s a reason why popular historical fiction never goes out of style. It allows us to learn history through books, not as cold facts and dates, but as lived experiences. Through compelling characters, we witness revolutions, love stories, tragedies, and triumphs. Whether you’re a fan of books like The Nightingale or new historical fiction bestsellers, one thing remains clear: the genre keeps evolving—and captivating us all.
📚 Best Historical Fiction of 2025 (So Far)
Let’s start with the best historical fiction 2025 has gifted us—so far. This year, authors have really stepped it up with deeply emotional narratives and fresh perspectives.
1. The Paris Widow by Elizabeth Bennett
Set in post-WWII Paris, this novel explores grief, espionage, and second chances. A war widow discovers secrets about her late husband’s involvement in the resistance. One of the most emotional historical fiction releases this year, it’s also trending as a must-read in historical fiction USA 2025.
Why you’ll love it: The atmospheric writing and morally complex characters will stay with you long after you finish.
2. The Lace Maker’s Secret by Anya Harlow
Set in 18th-century Venice, this novel follows a young orphan trained in the dying art of lace-making who uncovers a royal scandal. It’s pure period drama book brilliance with a dose of historical romance.
Why it’s trending: It’s one of those historical fiction viral reads that Bookstagrammers are raving about. Think Bridgerton meets The Other Boleyn Girl.
3. The Thunder of Hearts by Marcus Levine
This historical epic spans decades—from the American Dust Bowl to the Civil Rights Movement. A family saga told through three generations of women, it’s part love story, part survival tale.
Why it’s powerful: If you’re craving sweeping historical fiction that paints a vast canvas of change and resilience, this is it.
💔 Books Like The Nightingale for Fans of Heart-Wrenching Stories
Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale changed the game. If you’re hunting for books like The Nightingale that offer just as many tears, history, and power, here are a few emotional heavy-hitters:
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Told from Death’s perspective, this World War 2 fiction classic mixes poetic prose with devastating reality.
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
A haunting true story of a Jewish family separated during the war, making it essential for historical fiction recommendations.
When the World Was Ours by Liz Kessler
Following three children—one Jewish, one Nazi youth, and one caught in between—this book reminds us how history divides and shapes lives.
💕 Historical Romance Novels That Will Make Your Heart Flutter
Not all journeys to the past have to be tragic. For those who adore slow-burn tension and stolen glances in candlelit ballrooms, historical romance novels offer the perfect escape.
Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore
Set in Victorian England, this feminist romance is equal parts steamy and smart.
The Widow of Rose House by Diana Biller
A Gothic twist adds mystery to this already tender romance. Perfect for fans of popular historical fiction with a romantic thread.
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
Think Downton Abbey meets Titanic—a great fit for readers craving books set in the past with strong female leads.
📖 Historical Fiction Bestsellers That Everyone’s Talking About
Sometimes, all you want is a guaranteed great read. These historical fiction bestsellers have earned their place for good reason.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
A gut-punch of a story about love and survival in the harshest of conditions. This World War 2 fiction book has captured millions.
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
Set during Shakespeare’s era, this is historical storytelling at its most poetic.
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Yes, Hannah again—because when it comes to emotional historical fiction, she’s queen. Set during the Dust Bowl era, it’s a tale of a woman’s unbreakable will.
🔥 Historical Novels Trending Right Now
Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, some lesser-known titles are now historical novels trending globally. These are the books flying off shelves and filling TBR lists.
Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood
A fresh feminist take on Greek mythology—technically historical, wildly addictive.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Yes, again! This brand-new release about the Vietnam War’s forgotten female heroes is dominating every historical fiction viral reads list.
The Night Ship by Jess Kidd
A dual timeline novel with maritime mystery and rich sensory detail. One of the most unusual and beautiful historical fiction recommendations of the year.
🧠 Books to Learn History (Without Feeling Like a Textbook)
Some of the best books to learn history are disguised as gripping fiction. They teach you without you even realizing it.
- The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict – about the Black woman who built J.P. Morgan’s personal library.
- The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. – a raw, lyrical novel about love between enslaved men in the American South.
- Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan – based on a real WWII hero’s story in Nazi-occupied Italy.
These are the books that marry fact and fiction seamlessly—ideal for anyone who wants to learn while they feel.
✍️ Historical Fiction Authors You Should Know
Behind every masterpiece is a writer who painstakingly researched every corset, sword, or protest sign. If you’re building your author TBR, here are some go-to historical fiction authors:
- Kate Quinn – Known for The Alice Network and The Rose Code, her books feature bold women in wartime.
- Amitav Ghosh – His historical epics (Sea of Poppies, anyone?) explore colonial India with lush detail.
- Philippa Gregory – The queen of period drama books, especially for lovers of royal intrigue.
- Ken Follett – For readers who adore sweeping historical fiction, his Pillars of the Earth series is a cornerstone.
🌏 Hidden Historical Fiction Gems from Around the World
While we often hear about popular historical fiction set in Europe or the U.S., there’s a whole world of powerful storytelling waiting beyond those borders. These are under-the-radar books that deserve a spotlight—each one rich in culture, detail, and emotional impact.
🇮🇳 A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
This sprawling tale set in post-partition India follows a young woman navigating love and family expectations. If you’re seeking sweeping historical fiction with lush detail and layered characters, this is a must-read.
🇯🇵 Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
A gripping multigenerational historical epic following a Korean family in Japan through the 20th century. This book is a masterclass in emotional restraint, societal injustice, and cultural resilience.
🇨🇳 Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Set in 19th-century China, this intimate novel explores the secret world of women’s communication and friendship under the binding traditions of the time.
Why these stand out: They don’t just retell history—they reveal it from angles often left out of Western narratives, making them essential historical fiction recommendations.
🧚 Subgenres in Historical Fiction Worth Exploring
Historical fiction isn’t just about war or royalty. The genre is wonderfully vast, and these subgenres will take you on even more unique journeys.
✨ Historical Fantasy
Ever imagined magic in the midst of real history? These books set in the past infuse mythology and mystery into true historical contexts.
- The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
Set in turn-of-the-century New York, it’s a tale of two mythical creatures struggling with identity, humanity, and belonging. - Circe by Madeline Miller
A blend of myth and history, this bestselling novel reimagines the life of a misunderstood Greek goddess.
🧞♂️ Magical Realism
Perfect for readers who like a sprinkle of surreal with their historical backdrop.
- The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
A Chilean family saga filled with politics, ghosts, and secrets.
🔪 Historical Mystery/Thriller
Add a twist of suspense to your books to learn history and get wrapped up in solving mysteries of the past.
- The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl
Harvard scholars try to stop a serial killer inspired by The Divine Comedy. - The Alienist by Caleb Carr
A psychological thriller set in 1890s New York—an excellent bridge between historical fiction bestsellers and detective fiction.
🏛️ Historical Fiction by Time Period: What’s Your Favorite Era?
Let’s break down some incredible reads based on the eras they explore, so you can pick your next novel based on your favorite time in history.
⚔️ Ancient Civilizations
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
A tender retelling of the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in the Trojan War era. - I, Claudius by Robert Graves
A firsthand-style narrative of ancient Rome, filled with palace intrigue and betrayal.
👑 Tudor and Elizabethan England
- Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
Dive into the mind of Thomas Cromwell during Henry VIII’s reign. Dense but brilliant. - The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Classic period drama book that’s equal parts scandalous and informative.
🕯️ 18th & 19th Century Europe
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
For a classic look at revolution, sacrifice, and love. - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
If you want a blend of time travel, romance, and rebellion in 18th-century Scotland, this is one of the most addictive historical romance novels out there.
🪖 World Wars Era
You can’t explore this genre without visiting the most popular subcategory: World War 2 fiction.
- All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
A blind French girl and a German boy’s lives collide in Nazi-occupied France. A Pulitzer-winning favorite in powerful historical fiction. - Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Inspired by true events, this one dives into the lives of women affected by the Ravensbrück concentration camp.
📈 Historical Fiction Trends for 2025
This year’s historical fiction USA 2025 scene is seeing exciting changes. From increased focus on underrepresented voices to narratives that mix genres, here are the rising trends:
1. Multi-Timeline Narratives
Think books that flip between a modern character discovering secrets and the historical person who lived them. It adds layers of mystery and emotional depth.
2. Focus on Forgotten Women
Authors are giving voice to women who played vital, yet overlooked roles in history—from female scientists to wartime spies to suffragettes.
3. Eco-History Fiction
Books set in the past that explore humanity’s evolving relationship with nature, land, and survival. Look out for titles like The Berry Pickers and The Seed Keeper.
❤️ Why Historical Fiction Stays With You
Unlike fast-paced thrillers or fleeting contemporary romances, emotional historical fiction lingers. Maybe it’s because you know—deep down—that much of it is rooted in truth. Maybe it’s because historical characters show us how to survive the worst and still love, still hope.
These are not just books set in the past—they’re reflections of us.
They let us time-travel, not just through history, but through humanity.
So whether you love historical fiction bestsellers or are hunting for historical novels trending this year, remember—every era has a story worth telling. And every reader deserves to find the one that changes them.
Want to read a bit more? Find some more of my writings here-
The Ones Who Never Existed: A Poem for Fictional Characters Who Felt Real
The Addictive World of Freida McFadden: Thrillers, Twists, and All the Books You Can’t Put Down
25 Pet Love Quotes That Make You Smile
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