Top new historical-fiction books in August 2023
Last updated:
August 31, 2023
August 2023 featuring new releases by Ann Patchett, Jacqueline O'Mahony, James McBride, Alice Hoffman, Rachael Lippincott, Melanie Benjamin, Lincoln Child, Douglas Preston, Katharine McGee, Rhys Bowen, Pip Williams and many more.
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Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
In the spring of 2020, Lara’s three daughters return to the family's orchard in Northern Michigan. While picking cherries, they beg their mother to tell them the story of Peter Duke, a famous actor with whom she shared both a stage and a romance years before at a theater company called Tom Lake... -
Sing, Wild Bird, Sing by Jacqueline O'Mahony
A courageous woman journeys from nineteenth-century Ireland to the American West in a powerful novel about the indomitable will to survive—and to flourish—against nearly impossible odds.It’s 1849 on the west coast of Ireland. Resilient Honora O’Donoghue is accustomed to fending for herself and to reading the language of the natural world...europe · british-isles · ireland · urban · new-york-state · historical-fiction · fiction · historical · audiobook · female-author -
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
The new novel from the bestselling, National Book Award-winning, Oprah Book Club-picked, Barack Obama favourite James McBride.In 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well...north-america · usa · pennsylvania · fiction · historical-fiction · literary-fiction · mystery · audiobook · historical · racism -
The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman
From the beloved New York Times bestselling author of The Marriage of Opposites and the Practical Magic series comes an enchanting novel about love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the enduring magic of books. One brilliant June day when Mia Jacob can no longer see a way to survive, the power of words saves her... -
Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott
From the New York Times bestselling coauthor of Five Feet Apart and She Gets the Girl comes a fresh and inventive sapphic romantic comedy that’s What If It’s Us meets Bridgerton.What if you found a once-in-a-lifetime love…just not in your lifetime?Audrey Cameron has lost her spark...romance · wlw · lgbtq · young-adult · historical · historical-fiction · fiction · time-travel · lesbian-mc · retellings -
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California Golden by Melanie Benjamin
Two sisters navigate the turbulent, euphoric early days of California surf culture in this dazzling saga of ambition, sacrifice, and longing for a family they never had, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Aviator's WifeSouthern California, 1960s: endless sunny days surfing in Malibu, followed by glittering neon nights at Whisky A-Go-Go...historical-fiction · fiction · historical · racism · family · abuse · domestic-drama · literary-fiction · female-mc · book -
Dead Mountain by Lincoln Child, Douglas Preston
Authors Preston & Child return in the latest installment of the bestselling series featuring renowned archaeologist Nora Kelly and FBI Agent Corrie Swanson, where a fateful trip to New Mexico uncovers a case that may prove impossible to solve.In 2008, nine mountaineers failed to return from a winter backpacking trip in the New Mexico mountains...north-america · usa · new-mexico · mystery · fiction · suspense · action-adventure · crime · audiobook · horror -
Reign by Katharine McGee
A queen's life hangs in the balance, and her siblings’ decisions—about what to do, and most of all, who to love—could change the course of history. Romance. Duty. Power...only one can triumph in this stunning conclusion to the New York Times bestselling American Royals series.America's royal family is in shambles... -
The Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen
A courageous wife, mother, and resister confronts the devastation of World War II in a heartbreaking and hopeful novel by the bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Tuscan Child.Londoner Madeleine Grant is studying at the Sorbonne in Paris when she marries charismatic French journalist Giles Martin. As they raise their son, Olivier, they hold on to a tenuous promise for the future...historical-fiction · fiction · ww2 · historical · mystery · war · espionage · audiobook · romantic-love · action-adventure -
The Bookbinder by Pip Williams
A young British woman working in a book bindery gets a chance to pursue knowledge and love when World War I upends her life--an exquisite novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese's Book Club pick The Dictionary of Lost Words It is 1914, and as the war draws the young men of Britain away to fight, women must keep the nation running...historical-fiction · fiction · historical · war · ww1 · audiobook · 20th-century · literary-fiction · family · female-mc -
A Council of Dolls by Susan Power, Mona Susan Power
The long-awaited, profoundly moving, and unforgettable new novel from PEN Award–winning Native American author Mona Susan Power, spanning three generations of Yanktonai Dakota women from the 19th century to the present day...north-america · usa · illinois · urban · north-dakota · pennsylvania · historical-fiction · fiction · historical · literary-fiction -
Knockout by Sarah MacLean
New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean returns with the next Hell’s Belles novel about a chaotic bluestocking and the buttoned-up detective enlisted to keep her out of trouble (spoiler: She is the trouble)...romance · historical · historical-fiction · fiction · industrial-era · regency · fated-mates · humor · victorian · book -
Learned by Heart by Emma Donoghue
A heartbreakingly gorgeous novel based on the true story of two girls who fall secretly, deeply, and dangerously in love at boarding school in 19th century York, from the bestselling author of Room and The Wonder...romance · historical-fiction · historical · fiction · lgbtq · wlw · literary-fiction · audiobook · dark-academia · drama -
He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker-Chan
How much would you give to win the world?Zhu Yuanzhang, the Radiant King, is riding high after her victory that tore southern China from its Mongol masters. Now she burns with a new desire: to seize the throne and crown herself emperor.But Zhu isn’t the only one with imperial ambitions...fantasy · historical-fiction · historical · lgbtq · wlw · fiction · romantic-love · alternate-history · book · adult -
Fit for the Gods by Sarah Gailey, Zoraida Córdova, Maya Deane, Valerie Valdes
An anthology of gender-bent, queered, race-bent, and inclusive retellings from the enchanting and eternally popular world of Greek myth, featuring stories by: Marika Bailey • Alyssa Cole • Zoraida Córdova • Maya Deane • Sarah Gailey • Zeyn Joukhadar • Mia P. Manansala • Juliana Spink Mills • Susan Purr • Taylor Rae • Jude Reali • Suleikha Snyder • Valerie Valdes • S...myths · fantasy · anthologies · lgbtq · fiction · retellings · audiobook · classics · gods · historical -
The Continental Affair by Christine Mangan
With gorgeous prose, European glamour, and an expansive wanderlust, Christine Mangan's The Continental Affair is a daring literary caper that is quick on its feet and delightfully surprising.Meet Henri and Louise. Two strangers, traveling alone, on the train from Belgrade to Istanbul. Except this isn't the first time they have met.It's the 1960s and Louise is running...historical-fiction · fiction · mystery · historical · literary-fiction · audiobook · thriller · crime · heist · anti-hero -
Mobility by Lydia Kiesling
A propulsive novel about class, power, politics, and desire by the celebrated author of The Golden State.The year is 1998, the End of History. The Soviet Union is dissolved, the Cold War is over, and Bunny Glenn is an American teenager in Azerbaijan with her Foreign Service family... -
A Bakery in Paris by Aimie K. Runyan
From the author of The School for German Brides, this captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century and post-World War II Paris follows two fierce women of the same family, generations apart, who find that their futures lie in the four walls of a simple bakery in a tiny corner of Montmartre. 1870: The Prussians are at the city gates, intent to starve Paris into submission...historical-fiction · fiction · historical · ww2 · audiobook · war · drama · family · mystery · 20th-century -
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
Zetian, now ruler of Chang'an, must balance dangerous politics with her quest for revenge in the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Iron Widow, a blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction...book · disability · dystopia · feminism · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · lgbtq · new-adult · poc-author -
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Tides of Fire by James Rollins
In the latest riveting thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author, an international research station in the Coral Sea comes under siege during a geological disaster that triggers massive quakes, deadly tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. To stop the world from burning, it’s up to Sigma Force to uncover a secret buried at the heart of our planet...fiction · action-adventure · mystery · sci-fi · suspense · historical-fiction · military · audiobook · contemporary · espionage -
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
From USA Today bestselling author T. Kingfisher, Thornhedge is the tale of a kind-hearted, toad-shaped heroine, a gentle knight, and a mission gone completely sideways.There's a princess trapped in a tower. This isn't her story.Meet Toadling. On the day of her birth, she was stolen from her family by the fairies, but she grew up safe and loved in the warm waters of faerieland...romance · fantasy · horror · retellings · fiction · magic · fae · fairy-tale · historical-fiction · myths -
The President’s Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood
The incredible story of the First Lady who clandestinely assumed the presidency, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Engineer's Wife and The War Nurse.Socialite Edith Bolling has been in no hurry to find a new husband since she was widowed, preferring to fill her days with good friends and travel...historical-fiction · fiction · historical · ww1 · audiobook · female-mc · 20th-century · literary-fiction · book · adult -
The Paris Mystery by Kirsty Manning
Intrepid reporter Charlotte "Charlie" James arrives in Paris in 1938 eager to make a fresh start, but little does she know the trouble that awaits her...Charlie James is chasing her first big scoop as correspondent for British-based newspaper The Times, and she needs to prove to her boss that she can do this job as well, if not better, than her male counterparts...historical-fiction · mystery · fiction · audiobook · crime · historical · journalism · female-mc · cozy · book -
The Apology by Jimin Han
In South Korea, a 105-year-old woman receives a letter. Ten days later, she has been thrust into the afterlife, fighting to head off a curse that will otherwise devastate generations to come. Jeonga Cha has always shouldered the burden of upholding the family name...asia · east-asia · south-korea · historical-fiction · fiction · fantasy · contemporary · magical-realism · literary-fiction · audiobook -
Rook by William Ritter
This standalone adventure set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Jackaby series brims with humor, heart, and—of course—a hefty dose of supernatural mayhem. Abigail Rook never intended to be the mortal bridge between the human and supernatural world...fantasy · mystery · young-adult · historical-fiction · paranormal · historical · fiction · supernatural · urban-fantasy · audiobook -
Harlem After Midnight by Louise Hare
A body falls from a town house window in Harlem, and it looks just like the newest singer at the Apollo...in this evocative, twisting new novel from the authorof Miss Aldridge Regrets.Harlem, 1936: Lena Aldridge grew up in a cramped corner of London, hearing stories of the bright lights of Broadway. She always imagined that when she finally went to New York City, she’d be there with her father...historical-fiction · mystery · fiction · historical · audiobook · cozy · romantic-love · thriller · female-mc · black-mc -
House of Odysseus by Claire North
This "powerful, fresh, and unflinching" reimagining from the award-winning author of the Penelope trilogy breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men (Jennifer Saint). On the isle of Ithaca, queen Penelope maintains a delicate balance of power. Many years ago, her husband Odysseus sailed to war with Troy and never came home...myths · fantasy · historical-fiction · fiction · retellings · historical · feminism · audiobook · ancient-civilization · classics -
Perish by LaToya Watkins
Bear it or perish yourself . Those are the words Helen Jean hears that fateful night in her cousin’s outhouse that change the trajectory of her life. Spanning decades, Perish tracks the choices Helen Jean—the matriarch of the Turner family—makes and the way those choices have rippled across generations. We meet four members of the Black Texan Julie B...fiction · historical-fiction · contemporary · literary-fiction · family · audiobook · mystery · poc-author · poc-mc · realistic -
The Queen of the Valley by Lorena Hughes
Set amid Colombia’s unparalleled beauty and inspired by the real-life 1925 Cali earthquake, this riveting novel by the award-winning author of The Spanish Daughter plunges three strangers into a perilous search for the missing owner of a legendary hacienda—a man at the center of the explosive secrets each of them carries...historical-fiction · fiction · mystery · historical · audiobook · drama · latinx-mc · poc-author · hispanic · travel -
Silver Lady by Mary Jo Putney
Cornwall calling! From New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney, the first in an intoxicating historical romance series set on the rugged Cornish coast, filled with swashbuckling adventure and real-life history, intrigue and an unshakeable love—perfect for fans of Poldark...europe · british-isles · united-kingdom · england · romance · historical · historical-fiction · mystery · fantasy · paranormal -
The Secret Midwife by Soraya M. Lane
London, 1995: When on the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz a news broadcast runs an appeal for information on the identity of a midwife who saved hundreds of lives, Emilia knows it is time to finally tell her story...historical-fiction · fiction · ww2 · historical · war · audiobook · epic · romance · family · 20th-century -
Time's Mouth by Edan Lepucki
From New York Times bestselling author Edan Lepucki comes an enthralling saga about family secrets that grow more powerful with time, set against the magical, dangerous landscape of CaliforniaUrsa possesses a very special gift. She can travel through memory and revisit her past... -
Once a Rogue by Allie Therin
Once a Rogue by Allie Therin will be available Aug 2023 from Carina...romance · fantasy · historical · historical-fiction · paranormal · mlm · magic · lgbtq · audiobook · mystery -
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Miss Morton And The Spirits Of The Underworld by Catherine Lloyd
From the author of the critically acclaimed Kurland St. Mary series, this new historical mystery series is “a charming cross between a Regency romance and a well‑constructed detective story” (Kirkus Reviews), and will appeal to fans of Victoria Thompson and Deanna Raybourn...mystery · industrial-era · regency · cozy · historical · historical-fiction · female-mc · fiction · book · adult -
The Last Masterpiece by Laura Morelli
In a race across Nazi-occupied Italy, two women—a German photographer and an American stenographer—hunt for priceless masterpieces looted from the Florentine art collections.In the summer of 1943, Eva Brunner is taking photographs of Nazi-looted art hidden in the salt mines of the Austrian hinterland... -
Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig
In Teach the Torches to Burn, a breathlessly romantic remix of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet and seventh book in the Remixed Classics series, a queer teen boy discovers first love amid a bloody, centuries-old feud.Verona, Italy. Seventeen-year-old aspiring artist Romeo dreams of a quiet life with someone who loves him just as he is...romance · lgbtq · retellings · young-adult · historical-fiction · historical · fiction · fantasy · mlm · classics -
Murder in the Bookshop by Anita Davison
Someone’s been read their last rites… 1915, London : Working in the dusty bookshop that her Aunt Violet mysteriously inherited, Hannah Merrill is accustomed to finding twists in every tale. But discovering her beloved best friend Lily-Anne – with a paperknife through her heart – in the middle of the bookshop, is not a plotline she saw coming. The case is anything but textbook...mystery · historical-fiction · fiction · historical · crime · cozy · ww1 · audiobook · amateur-sleuth · law-enforcement -
Under the Tamarind Tree by Nigar Alam
A compellingly heartbreaking debut novel about the echoes of Partition and four friends whose dark secrets lead to a life-changing night that comes back to haunt them decades later.One night. Four friends. Countless secrets.1964. Karachi, Pakistan. Rozeena is running out of time...asia · south-asia · pakistan · historical-fiction · fiction · historical · mystery · family · audiobook · poc-mc -
At the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker
A stirring story of love and hope, based on the incredible true story of Australia's first Japanese war bride and a love that changed a nation forever. Gordon Parker is just an eager eighteen-year-old Australian boy desperate to fight for his country, and Nobuko 'Cherry' Sakuramoto is a sixteen-year-old girl struggling to survive in Japan in the aftermath of World War II...oceania · australia · japan · romance · historical-fiction · historical · fiction · audiobook · poc-mc · war -
Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias
A lush and lyrical debut novel about a Costa Rican family wrestling with a deadly secret, from rising literary star John Manuel AriasCosta Rica, 1968. When a lethal fire erupts at the American Fruit Company’s most lucrative banana plantation burning all evidence of a massive cover-up, the future of Teresa Cepeda Valverde’s family is changed forever...