Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025
I have read so many great books this year that I knew it was time to make my list of the best historical fiction books of 2025. I wanted to have a list of all my favorite books in one place.
Together, Kirsten and I read approximately 300 books a year, give or take. The best books immediately stand out. The writing, storytelling, and character development set these books apart. The 5-star reads become more than just the sum of their parts. They have that extra something that makes you think about them long after you finish the last page. If you are looking for the best fiction books of 2025, I have that list as well.
Since this year is not through, this list will change as Kirsten and I add books we love. We would also love to hear your recommendations for your favorite five-star historical fiction books of 2025 to add to our list. Feel free to reach out with suggestions.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025
Atmosphere
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: June 2025 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Joan is a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University, and she sees an advertisement for women to join the NASA space shuttle program. She applies and is chosen from thousands of applicants. She begins training in the summer of 1980 and forms deep friendships with the other astronauts in the program.
In December 1984, everything changed on mission STS-LR9. The book alternates between Joan’s application to the space program and her years of training, and the present mission in which there is an accident in space with Joan at mission control.
Why Jackie loves it
This book sucked me in from the first page. It’s crazy to think how far we have come in some ways and how stagnant we are in others. The amount of sexism that these women had to overcome to be in the space program felt personal but not exaggerated. #gifted
Adaptation
Before the book was even released, it was announced that Laika Studios would be turning it into a movie. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck are set to direct.
Find this book in: Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked / Books Like Lesson in Chemistry / Beach Reads 2025/ Books Set in the 80s / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025 / Books Becoming TV Shows / Books About Women in STEM
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau
Author: Kristin Harmel
Year: June 17, 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Colette Marceau is a descendant of Robin Hood. She learned from a young age to take from the rich and cruel and give to those in need. This family motto helped the jewel thieves fund the French resistance in the Second World War.
In 1942, Colette’s mother stole a pair of bracelets from a Nazi’s mistress that had belonged to her Jewish friends who were deported to Auschwitz in the hope that she could return them one day. She sewed one bracelet into the hem of Collette’s and her little sister’s nightgowns. The night her mother was arrested, her little sister went missing along with a diamond bracelet.
Now, seventy years later, the bracelet has turned up in a Boston museum, and Colette finally has the chance to learn what happened to her sister and bring the murderer to justice.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Death, Antisemitism
Why Jackie loves it
Why is this the first Kristen Harmel book I have read?! I can tell you it will not be the last. This book grabbed me from the first page and took me on a thrilling, emotional ride. There were so many aspects of this story that came together beautifully in the end. This is a powerful story that has so many true components, I found myself crying and smiling throughout. Thank you Simon & Schuster Audio #gifted.
Find this book in: Jewelry Novels / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025 / Giftable Books
Broken Country
Author: Clare Leslie Hall
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery Romance
More Info: March 2025 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
June 2025 Beyond the Bookends Bookclub Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set in 1968 and about a decade prior, this mesmerizing book examines both the loss of a child and the paths not taken. Beth and her husband Frank are still reeling from the unexpected loss of their son, when Beth’s first love, Gabriel Wolfe, comes back to town newly divorced with his own son in tow.
After an accident on the farm, Beth finds herself entwined in Gabriel‘s life once more. Between flashbacks to their former romance and previews of a murder trial, the novel explores the love Beth has for both men.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a Child
Why Kirsten loves it
Hall paints such a vivid picture and explores Beth’s feelings so well that I forgot I was reading fiction. I cried on numerous occasions and was left wanting more.
It reminds me of Where the Crawdads Sing in some ways and The Light We Lost in others. The mystery of who was shot and why was a masterful narrative choice that kept the story moving at a clip. I would give this novel six stars if I could. I truly couldn’t put it down. Gifted by Simon & Schuster
Why Jackie Loves it
This beautifully crafted story depicts lost loves and loss in a way that is still approachable and readable. Kirsten and I cannot wait to discuss this book with our book club in June. Kirsten read the book, and I listened to it. The audio version was powerful and I highly recommend.
Adaptation
Before the book even came out, Reese Witherspoon’s production company Hello Sunshine snapped up the production rights. It will be created with Sony’s 3000 Pictures.
Find this book in: Best Historical Fiction Books / Best British Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set in the 1960s / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025 / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2025
Harlem Rhapsody
Author: Victoria Christopher Murray
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling co-author of The Personal Librarian
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Jessie Redmon Fauset arrived in Harlem in 1919 as the new literary editor of The Crisis. It’s the preeminent magazine for Black people and she is the first woman to hold the position. W.E.B Du Bois is the founder of the magazine, Jessie’s boss, and lover.
Jessie is determined to prove herself by finding brilliant writers like Langston Hughes and Nella Larsen. Soon she discovers that the cost of success is more than she bargained for.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Jackie loves it
I knew very little about Jessie prior to reading this thought-provoking novel. I was enthralled by all she accomplished during her tenure at The Crisis. It was a touch too long, but the story was excellent on audio! The narrator brought Jessie’s voice to life.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Books set in the 1920s / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025 / Books Set in New York
Let’s Call her Barbie
Author: Renee Rosen
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This fictionalized history of the Barbie doll was fantastic! It’s the story of Ruth Handler and her famous creation – the Barbie doll! Showcase everything from conception to success to near failure, Rosen deftly weaves the doll’s history together with those on the team working on the doll.
Trigger Warnings
Eating Disorder, Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve read quite a few histories of the Barbie, but the fictionalized version gets at the emotions behind the creation, the various struggles, and the effects the doll had on Ruth and Jack’s home lives.
I was sucked into the narrative and found myself flying through the 400+ pages in a matter of days. The book is a triumph of historical fiction!
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025
The Story She Left Behind
Author: Patti Callahan Henry
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Beyond the Bookends Most Anticipated Book March 2025
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In 1927, When Clara Harrington was 8 years old, her mother disappeared off the coast of South Carolina. Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham was an author renowned for the book she wrote when she was 12 years old. The follow-up to the book, written in her mother’s made-up language, sat untranslated because the dictionary disappeared along with Bronwyn.
Now in 1952, Clara is a mother and illustrator. She is contacted by Charlie Johnson in London, who claims to have a handwritten dictionary in her mother’s lost language. Clara must travel to London to retrieve the dictionary and finally get some answers.
She travels with her asthmatic daughter by boat only to arrive at the start of The Great Smog.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was more than I could have hoped for. It was absolutely captivating from the first word to the last. I listened and read this book at the same time because I could not get enough. I loved the story, but loved it even more when I found out that Bronwyn was based on the life and disappearance of Barbara Newhall Follett. There are also references to Beatrix Potter. This book is a must for any book lover. It reads like a love letter to language.
Find this book in: The Ultimate List of Books About Books / Beach Reads 2025 / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025
The Book Club for Troublesome Women
Author: Marie Bostwick
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Ficiton
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It is 1960, and Margaret Ryan seems to have it all. But the house, husband, three kids, and prestigious neighborhood don’t feel like enough for her or her friends Viv and Bitsy. Margaret decides to start a book club as an excuse to meet their newest neighbor, Charlotte, and soon they discover that they want more from the life they have been told is the American dream.
Why Kirsten loves it
Women supporting other women is always a theme I love to see in literature. In a time when a woman couldn’t open her own checking account without her husband’s permission, that theme is crucial for each of these women. As they individually deal with stepping into the limelight and out of the shadows, collectively they support and uplift each other when each stumbles.
I loved the peek into the past and comparing it to how far we’ve come as a country towards women’s rights (a trend I hope doesn’t backslide.) The friendships, drama, and descriptions in this story kept me riveted. It’s one of my favorite books of the year for sure!
Why Jackie loves it
I could not wait to read this book and it did not disappoint me. I loved the relationship between the women and I love the fact that their relationship starts with a book club. It is uplifting to see positive and supportive female relationships. I have been loving historical fiction novels this year and this one is a must-read. The audiobook version of this book was a delight to listen to #gifted
Find this book in: Books about Friendship / Books Set in the 1960s / Best Beach Reads 2025 / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025
The Library of Lost Dollhouses
Author: Elise Hooper
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Tildy Barrows is the head curator of an archival library in San Francisco. When she learns that the library is on the verge of bankruptcy, she is determined to do something to save the library. And then inspiration strikes when she discovers two beautiful dollhouses. She believes if she can find out more about their history and the mystery behind them, they might become a moneymaking exhibit for the museum.
The story then flashes back to Cora Hale and her story, set on the cusp of WWI when she’s starting her journey to become a premier minaturist to the aristocrats of Europe.
The journey spans across time and the globe as Cora’s artist life flourishes and Tildy looks for answers. Belle Époque Paris, the English countryside during wartime, and Walt Disney’s studios in the 1950s are just some of the places you’ll explore while reading this story.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORED this unique novel and its female protagonists. I was as connected with Tildy’s search for answers as I was with Cora’s quest to follow her passion. There are love stories in both timelines that feel authentic and add layers to the novel in a natural way. I was sad to turn the last page of this book, but I know I’ll be recommending it for years to come! #Gifted by Harper Audio
Find this book in: Best Historical Fiction Novels / Beach Reads 2025 / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025 / Books Set in Museums
Expert Tip
Are you looking for the best new historical fiction books of 2025 but can’t choose what to read next? Here are some expert tips for choosing your next book:
- If you know what genre of book you are in the mood for, pick a book from that category
- Are you a “Kirsten” or a “Jackie”? Have a look at who read the book and what we loved about it. Kirsten and I often read different books, so you have a wide variety of books to choose from. Bonus if we both read the book!
- Read the description of what the book is about. Kirsten and I never include books that we have not read in our book lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new historical fiction books of 2025?
Kirsten and I have read some fantastic historical fiction books this year. Some of our favorites are:
1. Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
2. The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry
3. The Library of Lost Dollhouses by Elise Hooper
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Epilogue
What is your favorite historical fiction book of 2025? If you have a book that you loved that is not on this list, please let me know so I can add it to my TBR.
