Best Historical Fiction

  Set around 2500 BCE, Circle of Days explores the mysterious story of Stonehenge. Seft comes from a family of flint miners. The work is grueling and his father is harsh. When Seft meets Neen, a girl from a family of herders, he notices something different within her family - love and kindness. When the farmers secretly take over land traditionally used for herding animals, Neen’s mother fears the outrage could spark a war between the two communities. Though she has never experienced war herself, she remembers the stories her parents told about a past conflict between the herders and the woodlanders. Joia, Neen’s younger sister, is fascinated by the priestesses who guard the secrets of the sky. When the High Priestess teaches her a new way of counting - using discs instead of body parts - Joia becomes deeply intrigued and begins to understand her true calling. At this time, the Great Plain is divided among three tribes: herders, farmers, and woodlanders. Mistrust among them is grow...

  The Cardinal brings to life the true story of Thomas Wolsey – his meteoric rise and dramatic fall during Tudor England. England, 1482. Wolsey’s story begins in childhood when, at the age of eleven, he is sent to Oxford. The first half of the novel explores the deep inner world of its central character. Thomas, still a boy, finds himself subject to Oxford’s harsh rules, and he longs for the warmth of his parents’ inn. Despite the cold institution, his brilliant mind sets him apart as the youngest among a thousand scholars. Thought he misses home and the early thrill of Oxford life has worn off, he remains determine to make the best of his situation and fulfill not only his family’s hopes, but his own ambitions. At fifteen, he earns his bachelor’s degree – an extraordinary feat at such young age. He continues his education at Oxford, eventually remaining at the university after graduation, waiting for the opportunity he has long dreamed of. Wolsey seeks high public office. He doesn...

  Paris, 1934. When Colette turns ten, her mother Annabel, teaches her how to steal. When Colette questions stealing, she is explained the story of Robin Hood. It’s about taking from those who are cruel and helping those who are kind. And the golden rule is they never keep anything for themselves, except the twin bracelets belonging to her mother’s friend Helene. Annabel and Helene are part of underground network. Annabel tries to persuade her friend Helene to leave Paris due to possible mass deportation of Jews. When Helene with her family are deported and the twin bracelets appear on mistresses’ wrist of a German officer, Annabel decides to do the right thing. At least, it’s the right thing in her mind, but that’s when she makes a fatal mistake. She lets emotions get in the way and loses her full concentrations, leading to fatal events. Meanwhile, the bracelets are split in half, just in case, if the worst comes to pass, each girl, Colette and her younger sister, would have somet...

  Set in 18 th -century London, Hannah Cole, after the murder of her husband, faces struggle of keeping her confectionary shop open with bare profits and men conspiring against her. As Chief Magistrate, Henry Fielding, investigates the case of her husband’s murder and holds her savings, she tries to hold her own. When William Devereux presents at her shop and claims to be her late husband’s friend, putting claim to some investments, it gives her hope. To present himself even more believable, he gives her recipe of an Italian delicacy called iced cream. Their new friendship draws some attention to speculation and gossip. The story begins with Hannah’s narrative, and then alternates with William’s narrative, making the story very absorbing as they reveal nuances of their stories. Both backstories are fascinating, with Hannah’s passion for new creations in the world of confectionary. And William’s sad story of his mother who made iced cream for him and was badly mistreated by his ...

  Set in Renaissance Florence, Florenzer explores the lives of three men who made a mark on Florence’s history: an artist, a priest, and a banker. Leonardo da Vinci, a child of twelve who dreams of becoming an artist while his father wants him to become notary like him. Francesco Salviati, also a bastard as Leonardo, dedicates himself to the Catholic Church. And Lorenzo de’ Medici, a young son of one of the most influential families of its time, soon to be ruling over Florence. This richly depicted historical drama explores the pursuits of three men who become distinguished in their endeavors. Also, bringing to surface the time when gay men such as Leonardo were often persecuted. This character-driven story takes time in vivid depiction, giving the reader the front seat to the events. The characters are complex and fascinating revealing their vulnerable side. Thus, as result, touching upon human emotions. This novel is a feast for those who enjoy the eloquent prose taking t...

 S et in the 1865 Boston and Hampshire, Henrietta and Charlotte Stevenson, daughters of Massachusetts supreme court judge, are all avid readers of Jane Austen. The daughters, who crave freedom, begin a correspondence with the last surviving sibling of Jane Austen, Francis, and persist with meeting him. At the same time, brothers Nicholas and Haslett Nelson, who are Philadelphia rare book dealers, write to Francis as well. This whole situation gives Francis an idea for matchmaking. However, a lot happens on the S.S. China which takes all characters across the ocean. What happens on the ship creates some dilemma and some legal complications. The premise of the story is interesting as it recreates stories of Jane Austen with dilemmas, matchmaking, and happy marriages. The story takes time to reveal events. Released in May 2025 Source: St. Martin's Press Synopsis: Two pairs of siblings, devotees of Jane Austen, find their lives transformed by a visit to England and Sir Francis Aus...