There’s a reason historical fiction has a special place on our bookshelves (and in our hearts). It’s more than just a story—it’s time travel in paperback form. The best historical novels give us a look into the lives of people we’ve never met, in eras we’ll never live through, with emotions that feel as real today as they did back then.

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we know the power of immersive reading, especially when it's paired with a wrapped gift or two. So, whether you’re craving a grand wartime romance, a tale of revolution, or something with a little magic and mystery, this list of 10 historical fiction books is your personal passport to the past.

Why Historical Fiction is Captivating

Historical fiction invites us into beautifully imagined worlds where past events come alive through unforgettable characters. It helps us understand different cultures, experience historical turning points, and see the ripple effects of decisions made long ago. Research shows that reading literary fiction increases empathy and enhances our ability to understand others’ perspectives. Add in the drama, romance, and resilience so often found in these historical fiction novels, and it’s easy to see why we can’t get enough.

Plus, let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a book that makes you Google “Titanic deck plans” or hunt down WWII-era recipes? We believe that books have the incredible power to transform our world—check out our blog on Why is Reading Important in Today’s Society? The Transformative Power of Books in the Reading Revolution.

 

Curated List: 10 Best Historical Fiction Novels

The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson

Set in 1948, this emotionally gripping bestseller introduces us to Ruby and Eleanor—two women on very different paths whose lives collide in the most unexpected of ways. With themes of forbidden love, motherhood, class, and survival, The House of Eve is as heartbreaking as it is empowering. If you love stories that tackle personal sacrifice and societal expectations head-on, this one is for you. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn, Lisa Wingate, and Kristin Harmel!

 

Bladestay by Jackie Johnson

It’s the Wild West with a twist. Disguised as a boy, Theo Creed infiltrates a dangerous gang in a Colorado town gripped by a deadly feud. But the real danger might not be where she expects. With moody outlaws, sharp secrets, and high-stakes deception, Bladestay delivers gritty, Western drama with a whip-smart heroine. This one is for those of you who like your historical fiction a little dusty, a little dangerous, and full of double-crosses.

This is the perfect choice for readers who loved No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy and Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee.

 

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

A modern classic, this Depression-era tale drops us into the dazzling (and deeply dysfunctional) world of a traveling circus. Young Jacob finds heartbreak, hope, and an unforgettable elephant named Rosie. Between star-crossed love, brutal animal tamers, and the smell of sawdust, Water for Elephants is both a romance and a survival story—with just enough grit to keep you turning pages late into the night.

 

Under the Tamarind Tree by Nigar Alam

Generational trauma, buried secrets, and a haunting mystery lie at the heart of this dual-timeline novel set in Karachi. The story follows Rozeena and her childhood friends through the post-Partition 1960s and into the present day, where an unexpected call reopens old wounds. For fans of atmospheric, layered storytelling that spans decades, Under the Tamarind Tree is a must-read.

Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea

Based on the true stories of the Red Cross “Donut Dollies,” this tale of female friendship and frontline courage is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. As Irene and Dorothy serve coffee and kindness to soldiers from Normandy to Buchenwald, Good Night, Irene reminds us that heroes come in many forms—and sometimes the bravest stories are the ones history forgets to tell.

Sisters of Fortune by Anna Lee Huber

Three sisters. One ship. A destiny none of them could have predicted. Set aboard the Titanic, Sisters of Fortune follows Alice, Flora, and Mabel as they wrestle with love, duty, and dreams before tragedy strikes. Inspired by a true story, this emotionally rich novel captures a pivotal moment in history through the eyes of three very different women.

 

The Diamond of London by Andrea Penrose

For Lady Hester Stanhope, living boldly means defying convention. Through London’s glittering ballrooms and the shadowy intrigues of wartime politics, she seeks a life of passion, independence, and purpose. The Diamond of London is a sparkling tribute to one woman’s fierce determination to shape her own future—no matter the cost.

 

This Rebel Heart by Katherine Locke

Magical rivers. Communist regimes. Revolution. Set against the backdrop of the 1956 Hungarian uprising, this fabulist tale follows Csilla, a young woman torn between escape and resistance. With queer representation, haunting history, and lyrical writing, This Rebel Heart is a powerful exploration of identity, country, and courage.

I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

Master of YA historical fiction Ruta Sepetys delivers a tense, eye-opening look at Romania under dictatorship. When Cristian is forced to become an informer, he must decide between protecting his loved ones and standing up to one of Europe’s most oppressive regimes. I Must Betray You is a gut-punch of a novel that reminds us freedom is never free—and silence can be its own form of betrayal.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

Spycraft, sisterhood, and the lingering wounds of war—The Alice Network is historical fiction at its most thrilling. With dual timelines spanning WWI and WWII, this story follows Eve, a former spy, and Charlie, a young American searching for a missing cousin. Secrets, scars, and the search for redemption make this one a fan-favorite for good reason.

How to Make Historical Fiction Even More Immersive

Want to dive even deeper into your next historical read? Try listening to music from the era, jotting notes on historical figures mentioned, or even baking a recipe inspired by the setting. For the full experience, explore our interactive book boxes—featuring surprise gifts that bring the pages to life, just when you need them most.

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Read with Others Who Love to Time Travel

Historical fiction lovers unite! Join our OUABC online community to share thoughts, theories, favorite quotes, and fun facts about the eras we visit through the pages. There’s nothing quite like reading with fellow time travelers.

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Stories That Shape Us

These novels remind us that though time may separate us from the characters, their hopes, heartbreaks, and triumphs feel just as powerful today. Historical fiction offers more than just escape—it gives us context, connection, and sometimes, the courage to write our own story a little more boldly.

📚 We think you will love our blog, Travel Through Books: Armchair Adventures Around the World!

Happy reading in bygone eras from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!