Best New Historical Fiction Books of 2024

New historical fiction books of 2024

When I round up the best new historical fiction books, I look for stories that stand out from the rest because of their setting or subject matter.

I’m drawn to historical fiction because I love learning about different periods, even if I’m only reading a love story! The stories below feature mysteries, war, romance, and old Hollywood. Each brings something different to my bookshelf and hopefully yours!

The Best New Historical Fiction Book of 2024

Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of historical fiction. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.

New Historical Fiction Books

Table for Two

Author: Amor Towles

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction Short Stories

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

With Table for Two, famed author Amor Towles re-released his novella, Eve in Hollywood, along with a brand new collection of short stories set in New York City. Each story is an ode to a different part of life in New York, telling the stories of a Russian immigrant, a rare bookseller, an opera bootlegger, and a stranded traveler, among others.

And for Rules of Civility fans, Eve is a character from that novel who was last seen boarding a train to Hollywood. Her adventures out west were an absolute delight!

Though I am not typically into short stories, Amor Towles is a favorite of mine so I had to read this collection. Each short story could have been a novel of it’s own, but the novella about Eve was the shining star for me.

Find this book in: Old Hollywood Books / Summer Read 2024 / Books Set in NYC / New Historical Fiction Books / Giftable Books

all we were promised

Author: Ashton Lattimore

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Book of the Month Club Pick

Age Range: 16+

I had been putting off reading this story about 3 black women in Philadelphia in 1827 because I feared it would be too heavy, but I’m upset I didn’t pick it up sooner.

Set against the backdrop of the powderkeg that was Philadelphia at the time, the story features three young black women who are directly or indirectly affected by the practice of slavery. While enslavement wasn’t permitted in the city, those visiting from the South could bring their enslaved people up for short periods.

Charlotte is a runaway slave hiding in the home of her new passing father. She has met Nell, a wealthy young woman from a prominent black family, at a local abolitionist meeting. Together, they work to save Evie, another enslaved girl from Charlotte’s past.

There is family drama and a love story woven throughout which gives levity to the story. The story behind Pennsylvania Hall and its purpose are also explored within.

Slavery

Despite being a lifelong Philadelphia resident, I had little knowledge of the city’s complicated past with slavery and the abolition movement. I enjoyed being educated with a story that had some lighter elements in it as well. Lattimore struck the perfect balance between informational and entertaining.

Find this book in: Best Historical Fiction of 2024

The Love Elixir of August Stern

Author: Lynda Cohen Loigman

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: Author of The Matchmaker’s Gift

Age Range:15+

Augusta Stern grew up in Brooklyn with her pharmacist father. Shortly after her mother died, Augusta’s Great Aunt Esther moved into their house. Ester had her own cures for women’s problems that were overlooked by male doctors and pharmacists. August is torn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her Aunt.

The book follows Augusta in two timelines. One in the 20’s and the other sixty years later. At 80, Augusta is forced into retirement after lying about her age for the last 20 years. Her niece helps her find a nice active senior community in Florida so she can retire in nice weather. Shortly after her arrival, she bumps into the man who broke her heart more than 60 years ago.

Now she will have to address the mistakes of her past if she wants to move forward.

I loved this book and Augusta’s fiery personality. She takes no crap from anyone. A lot of that stems from old wounds, but even at 80 years old, she is not so stuck and set in her ways that she cannot change. Some of the parts of this book had me laughing out loud.

Find this book in: Best New Historical Fiction Books of 2024 / Books Set in the 80s

The Cliffs

Author: J. Courtney Sullivan

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: July 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Be transported to the coasts of Maine with this thought-provoking story of heritage and family lore. Reese’s most recent book club pick is a thought-provoking look at the cycles often repeated in families. When a disastrous night leads to Jane losing her husband and her job, she retreats to the only home she’s ever known – a small town in Maine.

There, she decides to clean out her recently deceased mother’s home while trying to figure out her next steps. When a new arrival asks her to research the history of a home she recently renovated, Jane goes digging into the lore of the house. Along the way, she finds out things about her family that tilts her world on its axis.

Alcoholism, Colonisation, Racism, Death of a Child

Halfway through the story, I switched to the audiobook which was wonderful as well. Between every few Jane chapters, other supporting characters get one chapter to give their perspective – and each is narrated by someone different.

I was fascinated by the history of the made-up town and I appreciated learning more about the original inhabitants, the indigenous people, and how they were treated and subsequently erased from the history of the area. Well researched, the story drew me in and held me until the end despite how much I wanted to throttle Jane at times. #gifted by Knopf

Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach

2024 Historical Fiction About War

The Goddess of Warsaw

Author: Lisa Barr

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

The story opens in 2005 with legendary actress Lena Browning, telling her dark, daring past to an actress who wants to star in and direct a biopic about Lena. It then flashes forward to Lena’s time in the Warsaw Ghetto.

There, Bina Blonski as she was known at the time, narrates a story of persistence and sacrifice within the Ghetto walls. Torn between two brothers and with a survival instinct, Bina uses her Arayan looks and skills as an actress to work for the resistance.

Eventually, the story returns to 2005 and post-war Hollywood where we learn how Bina became Lena and how Lena has always continued the fight against those who seek her annihilation.

War, death

This is the best story I’ve ever read about the Holocaust because it depicts Jewish people, particularly women, as fierce fighters determined to prove their right to exist. I was inspired and awed by both the writing and the characters.

I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and was on the edge of my seat throughout. The tension was so high at times I found myself fidgeting, walking around, and wringing my hands. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. It’s an absolute must-read. #Gifted

I love that this story takes place in multiple time periods. Lena is a great character and I loved reading her story. I called Kirsten yelling and needing to know the ending- which she would not spoil for me. At the end of the book, I was yelling with joy.

Find this book in: Books about the Holocaust / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024 /Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books/ Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Hollywood Novels

The Women

Author: Kristin Hannah

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller, #1 bestseller on USA Today, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times
Narrated by Audie Award Winner Julia Whelan

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:18+

In this emotional historical fiction, Hannah has transported readers to the frontlines of the Vietnam War. After Frankie makes a rash decision to enlist as a war nurse to make her family proud, she finds herself completely unprepared for what awaits her in Vietnam.

Hannah gives us a searing tale of life as a nurse during and after the war, as Frankie learns how to nurse, bonds with her fellow medical staff, and even falls in love during wartime.

The book’s second half explores what it was like to return home to a country divided over whether the war should even be fought. It was shocking to see how people treated returning vets, and how they refused to acknowledge that women were in ‘nam.

Hannah’s portrayal of PTSD had me gasping and feeling deeply for the characters within the story – particularly Frankie. This fast-paced story had my heart thumping throughout. It did get quite heavy at times and I had to have a lighter book on hand for breaks. Once again, Hannah has delivered a five-star book. #gifted by Macmillan Audio

War, PTSD, Alcohol Abuse, grief

The ending had me in tears of happiness, though tears of frustration, anger, and sadness also flowed at various times while I read this book. Even though the book deals with complex family issues and alcoholism, Hannah wrote these into the story seamlessly. It did not feel contrived to add drama to the plotlines.

I love historical fiction and Kirstin Hannah never fails to deliver that. This book felt like her most powerful novel yet. I had an emotional investment in the characters and called Jackie numerous times while I was reading begging her to tell me the ending.

Find this book in: Books That Make You Cry / The Women Book Club Questions / Best Historical Fiction 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / The Best Books of 2024

2024 Historical Fiction Books with a Mystery

The Sicilian Inheritance

Author: Jo Piazza

Year: 2024

Genre: Thriller

Age Range: 16+

Jo Piazza has written the PERFECT summer novel, striking a delicious balance between being relaxing enough to enjoy on the beach but thought-provoking enough to discuss with your book club.

I was swept into the story of Sara and her quest to learn about her unexpected inheritance and the possible murder of her great-grandmother, Serafina. To solve the mystery and claim her inheritance, she must travel to the Italian countryside – giving her a break from her recently closed restaurant and her failed marriage.

The dual-timeline narrative focuses on Sara’s quest and Serafina’s life as a woman coming into her own in the 1900s. The stakes are high for both women as they balance staying true to their dreams in the face of society’s oppression of women, especially when it turns dangerous.

I could go on and on about this one. The vivid imagery that Jo paints with her writing had me picturing the town, tasting the food, and smelling the Sicilian soil. I SWEAR, at one point I touched my chin to see if the oil from the meal she was writing about was dripping down my face.

It’s a multi-genre, multigenerational masterpiece of a beach read. #gifted by Dutton Books

I could not put this book down. The characters and the plot compelled me to keep reading, the descriptions of the people and the places made me feel like I was actually there. The fact that some of this is based in a true story is just a cherry on top of this sundae!

Find this book in: Beach Read 2024 / Books Set in Italy / Family Drama / Best Historical Fiction of 2024 / Best Mystery Books 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024

The Berlin Letters

Author: Katherine Reay

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Range:16+

Luisa Voekler is in the CIA and while her colleagues are working on Cold War assignments, she is stuck decoding messages from World War II.

Harris Voekler is a journalist who was separated from his daughter after the Berlin Wall went up. When Luisa discovers letters written to her by the father she thought was dead, she begins to learn the truth about her family and risks everything to rescue her father.

I have not read many historical fiction books about Germany between 1961 and 1990. I found this book fascinating. The book starts as a dual timeline narrative until the stories come together. The codebreaking, the politics, the secrets, and the lies made for a fast-paced read that I absolutely loved.

Find this book in: Books About Female Spies / Best Books About Puzzles / Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books / Best Beach Reads 2024 / Best Historical Fiction of 2024 / Books Set in the 80s

New Romance Historical Fiction Books of 2024

The Stranger I Wed

Author: Harper St. George

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Romance

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

To gain access to her dowry and escape the New York gossip about her legitimacy, Cora Dove decides to head to England in search of a husband. There she collides – literally – with the Earl of Devonworth and the two strike up a bargain.

Marriage for a few years will help Cora secure her dowry and launch her sisters into society, for Leo, it means acquiring the desperately needed funds to help his political causes. But their attraction means this platonic marriage could be doomed from the start.

Leo and Cora positively sizzled in this book, the first in a new Gilded Age series from Harper St. George. Their STEAMY romance was rooted first in friendship, which I always enjoy in a romance novel. It was also fun to see some of my favorite characters return from St. George’s previous novels.

Find this book in: Gilded Age Books / Best Historical Fiction of 2024

Diva

Author: Daisy Goodwin

Year: 2024

Genre: Historical Romance

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Daisy Goodwin has done it again with this incredible biographical fiction about Maria Callas, famed Opera singer, and lover of Aristotle Onassis. 

As usual with Daisy Goodwin’s stories, I found myself transfixed by the story of Maria’s life and her relationship with Onassis. It was fascinating to see how their courtship affected her performances and how she grew to become an unstoppable force in an industry ruled by men.

I had previously read Gill Paul‘s story Jackie & Maria and thought I might find this book redundant, but I was wrong. They bring two different perspectives that flush out the Maria – Onassis- Jackie O love triangle. #gifted by St. Martins Press

Find this book in: Music Books / Biographical Fiction / New Historical Fiction Books

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Are you new to historical fiction and trying to find a great book? Are you a historical fiction lover who is looking for a new book? Here are some recommendations for choosing a book:

  • Pick a book that is in a subgenre of historical fiction you love
  • Read another book by a favorite author
  • Look through the books on this list for the best of the year. Any one of these picks is a great choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Best Historical Fiction of 2024

There are so many fantastic new historical fiction books this year. Kirsten and I both love The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr. This was the sleeper gem of the year and if you have not read it, you should run and read it now.

What New Historical Fiction Books Do You Recommend?

The best historical fiction books of 2024 are on my list. Kirsten and I read hundreds of books a year. We have narrowed down the 50+ historical fiction books we read this year to only our favorite.

Epilogue:

Is your favorite new historical fiction of 2024 on this list?

Historical Fiction

Ultimate List of Historical Fiction

Love Historical Fiction? The Ultimate List of Historical Fiction is the perfect list for you. It is carefully divided by time.