Best Historical Fiction

  The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter brings a story of Grace Darling who became a national hero of England after a shipwreck rescue. Ireland, 1938. Matilda, daughter of a local politician is four months pregnant and unmarried. Thus, she is sent across the world to Rhode Island to spend the remaining five months with a reclusive relative, who is an assistant lighthouse keeper in Newport. Farne Islands, England, 1838. Grace, daughter of the lighthouse keeper, has patience and a keen eye, which is essential for keeping watch over the sea. When a storm crashes a ship, she notices survivors on the rocks. With her father, risking their lives, they rescue those who survived the shipwreck; among them Sarah, who was on the way to visit her brother, George Emmerson, in Scotland. News of brave Grace spread across England, making her the national hero as she continues to insist she only did her duty, emphasizing her father’s bravery. Artists are sent to capture Grace’s likeness as everyone wants to

  American Duchess brings a story of a remarkable woman, Consuelo Vanderbilt, who came from a privileged life but inspired to find meaning behind “the glitter and the gold.” 1893. While vacationing in Europe, Alva Vanderbilt uses her time wisely in Europe by hatching a plan to marry her daughter, Consuelo, to the Duke of Marlborough. While Consuelo dreams of marrying in America to an American, her mother dreams of titles, to be linked with someone serene and high. As a newlywed, Consuelo’s life in England is filled with rules and restrictions, which some are quite new to her, including domestic status among household which was her biggest surprise. She longs for her husband’s sentiment or emotion; instead she is expected to care for his people when she is yet get to know him. And it’s not any easier when her husband is not helpful in this transition, rather judgmental. She finds consolation and meaning in her life by spending time with the villagers and helping those in need. For the f