Friday, March 13, 2026

This month’s best new historical fiction

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month's Best New Historical Fiction
 
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Book cover for A Far-Flung Life by M. L. Stedman
The author of The Light Between Oceans is back with a stunning historical epic
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 1950s Australia, the MacBride family has lived on a remote sheep farm for generations — but in one fateful moment, a tragedy upends their world. And this is just the first cruel twist of fate they'll face…
  • Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry, was swept away by this "big, bold story of resilience and hope"
  • Recommended by The New York Times, NPR, People, and more
Learn more...
Media mentions for A Far-Flung Life by M. L. StedmanMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, The Washington Post, Good Housekeeping, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for It Girl by Allison Pataki
Emily Giffin loves this 'unputdownable' read 'with a twist that will leave you breathless'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • At the dawn of the 20th century, New York City shopgirl Evelyn is recruited as a studio model — sparking her journey to becoming the Gibson Girl, America's first self-made woman celebrity
  • Rave reviews from Marie Benedict and Pam Jenoff, who says, "Pataki shines brighter than ever!"
  • From the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
Learn more...
Media mentions for It Girl by Allison PatakiMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Show, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for White River Crossing by Ian McGuire
In the frozen Canadian wilderness, an expedition for gold has deadly consequences
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • The winter of 1766 sees a group of prospectors seeking fortune — but greed, treachery, and violence derail their plans
  • "The story's ending is a shock… It's a stunner" (Publishers Weekly starred review)
  • The acclaimed author of The North Water "nimbly combines historical narrative and high suspense" (Kirkus Reviews)
Learn more...
Media mentions for White River Crossing by Ian McGuireMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Times, The Times Literary Supplement, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives by Elizabeth Arnott
March's GMA Book Club pick is 'as if Taylor Jenkins Reid wrote a crime novel' (Emilia Hart)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 1960s California, three friends — each married to a notorious murderer — team up to investigate a series of local deaths
  • One of 2026's most anticipated books, according to Marie Claire
  • "Brimming with sly humor and a twist you'll never see coming, this is a perfect weekend read" (Sarah Penner, author of The Lost Apothecary)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives by Elizabeth ArnottMEDIA MENTIONS:Good Morning America Book Club, Book of the Month, People, Los Angeles Times, The Times, New York Post, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
This highly anticipated family saga is perfect for your next book club
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Ten years after her mother's midlife scandal tore the Larkin family apart, Clara returns home for a wedding — and faces her own life-altering decision
  • The author of the smash-hit bestseller The Nest "brings warmth and humor to this nuanced exploration of betrayal and its echoes" (Shelby Van Pelt, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures)
  • Jenny Jackson, author of Pineapple Street, calls it "a joyful classic in the making"
Learn more...
Media mentions for Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix SweeneyMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Real Simple, Elle, Parade, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi
Historians call her a seductress and a witch — but now, Cleopatra tells her own story
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • This dazzling historical retelling features "lush world-building and lyrical prose" (Jennifer Saint)
  • A must-read for fans of Circe and Ariadne
  • Take it from R.F. Kuang: "This is El-Arifi's masterpiece"
Learn more...
Media mentions for Cleopatra by Saara El-ArifiMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Parade, The Guardian, The Times, Library Reads, Electric Literature
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Sisters of Book Row by Shelley Noble
In 1915, 40 Manhattan bookshops become a battleground against oppression
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • When an infamous censor targets New York City's famous Book Row, the three Applebaum sisters risk everything to fight back
  • This love letter to books highlights a little-known chapter in US history
  • "Shelley Noble has expertly blended rich historical detail with the enduring power of the written word for a beautiful story that will touch readers' hearts" (Madeline Martin)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Sisters of Book Row by Shelley NobleMEDIA MENTIONS:Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Where the Girls Were by Kate Schatz
'A timely and important novel, and one of the most heartfelt I have read in years' (Natalie Jenner)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 1960s San Francisco, 17-year-old Baker finds her bright future upended by an unplanned pregnancy — but she rediscovers her strength after she's sent to a home for unwed mothers
  • Catherine Newman, the author of Sandwich, recommends this "thrilling, propulsive, [and] breathless" coming-of-age tale
  • "Excellent historical fiction" (Kirkus Reviews) from a New York Times bestselling author
Learn more...
Media mentions for Where the Girls Were by Kate SchatzMEDIA MENTIONS:San Francisco Chronicle, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Book of Forbidden Words by Louise Fein
Don't miss this compelling dual-timeline novel inspired by true events
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In a world of banned books, an encrypted manuscript unleashes a ripple effect — and connects three women across 400 years
  • "Devotees of rich historical fiction and contemporary social discourse alike will be enthralled" (Booklist starred review)
  • Transports readers to 16th-century Paris, 1950s New York City, and beyond
Learn more...
Media mentions for Book of Forbidden Words by Louise FeinMEDIA MENTIONS:Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw
Uncover the fascinating story of the first woman to discover a comet
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • After her brother is appointed as the King's Astronomer, Caroline Herschel follows him and becomes his assistant. Soon, she falls in love with astronomy herself — and charts her own path to success
  • Fans of Marie Benedict will be captivated
  • "With layered characters and stunning detail, this should be on the top of every historical fiction reader's list" (Jennifer Coburn, author of The Girls of the Glimmer Factory)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Woman and Her Stars by Penny HawMEDIA MENTION:Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
 
  

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This month’s best new historical fiction

Don't miss the best new historical fiction from the past month, hand-picked by our editors! You'll love this month's historical ...