Patti Callahan Henry
Apr 27, 20232 min
Whether you're a major history nerd curious to learn more or just looking for an enthralling story set in the past, there are plenty of great new historical fiction books coming out in 2023 that are perfect for you. Travel from the ancient world to the 1800s, from the world wars up through the mid-20th century and beyond, all while getting lost in the stories of some unforgettable characters, sweeping love stories, and tense battles — both literal and metaphorical. Some of the genre's best new releases this year are inspired by true stories and real people, while others tell original stories to uncover the corners of history that might be forgotten.
Authors like Chanel Cleeton, Sophfronia Scott, Sadeqa Johnson, and Janie Chang paint vivid pictures of eras gone by and characters struggling with what's expected of them. You can read about real figures from history in new titles from Renée Rosen, Heather Webb, Lynn Cullen, Marie Benedict, Stephanie Marie Thornton, and more putting a more personal spin on the stories from your history books. So as you make your reading plans for the year, get ready to go back in time — and maybe learn something about the present, too — with 2023's best historical fiction books.
"The Secret Book of Flora Lea" by Patti Callahan Henry traces the story of two sisters whose lives are shattered by one tragic moment. In war-torn London in 1939, teenage Hazel cares for her little sister Flora, distracting her sister with secret tales of a magical land far away from war and terror. When Flora disappears one day, Hazel blames herself, and even two decades later, she finds it nearly impossible to let go of the guilt. Then, one day, she unwraps a package and finds a book describing the imaginary world she created for Flora, and she dives into a quest to find out if her sister might still be alive. BUY THE BOOK
Release date: May 2