Wednesday, May 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 The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline
The beloved author of Orphan Train delivers a mesmerizing tale inspired by her own family history
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • In 19th-century North Carolina, sisters Sarah and Adelaide marry world-famous conjoined twins from Siam
  • With praise from Ann Napolitano, Jess Walter, and Adriana Trigiani, who says, “The Foursome stands as the jewel in the crown of Christina Baker Kline’s dazzling career”
  • “Emotionally moving, hard to put down… Written with compassion and sensitivity” (Library Journal starred review)
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Media mentions for The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline MEDIA MENTIONS: People, Real Simple, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, The Millions
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Book cover for The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
‘So immersive, exciting, and downright fabulous, you never want it to end’ (Oprah Daily)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Help delivers one of 2026’s most anticipated relases: her first novel in 17 years
  • In a Mississippi town gripped by the Great Depression, orphan Meg and defiant Birdie collide as they take back control of their lives
  • “Smart, funny, and driven by unforgettable characters… This is a must-read” (Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry)
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Media mentions for The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett MEDIA MENTIONS: NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, Slate, Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Parade, Los Angeles Times, The Times, New York Post, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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Book cover for The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles
Get swept away by this ‘sparkling, heartfelt ode to libraries’ (Kristin Harmel)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library and Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
  • Lily finds herself adrift living alone in Paris — but a job at the American Library will lead her to uncover stories dating back to World War II…
  • “Francophiles, bibliophiles, and anyone who enjoys an engaging story with memorable characters will be delighted” (Library Journal)
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Media mentions for The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles MEDIA MENTION: Library Journal
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Book cover for The Original by Priya Parmar
Kristin Hannah highly recommends this stunning work of biographical fiction
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • As a young Katharine Hepburn rises to stardom in Los Angeles, the true cost of fame turns out to be higher than she ever imagined…
  • “Vivid, daring, and full of emotional bite. This is a novel you press into your best friend’s hands the moment you finish” (Paula McLain)
  • “Historical fiction fans will be drawn to this immersive portrait” (Publishers Weekly)
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Media mentions for The Original by Priya Parmar MEDIA MENTIONS: People, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, BookPage
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Liar’s Dice by Juliet Faithfull
When her twin is sent away, Dolores will stop at nothing to bring her home
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Jodi Picoult calls this coming-of-age tale “pitch-perfect and full of heart”
  • Set in 1970s Brazil, this gripping story of family secrets is inspired by the author’s own relationship with her twin sister
  • Rave reviews from Florence Knapp, Jamie Ford, and Sandra Cisneros, who says, “Faithfull is a master storyteller and visionary”
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Media mentions for Liar’s Dice by Juliet Faithfull MEDIA MENTIONS: TODAY Show, Oprah Daily, The Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
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Book cover for A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
‘Ought to be required reading as our nation marks its 250th birthday’ (Allison Pataki)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The latest from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton
  • From the American Revolution to her husband’s presidency, Abigail Adams boldly rises to the challenge to shape the future
  • Kate Quinn raves, “The research shines, the prose gleams, [and] the characterization is a delight”
Learn more...
Media mentions for A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie MEDIA MENTION: People
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for A Harlem Wedding by Tiffany L. Warren
Harlem is preparing for a high-profile wedding — but the bride and groom both have secrets
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Debutante Yolanda, daughter of W. E. B. Du Bois, is engaged to famous poet Countee Cullen — but she finds herself torn between familial expectations and her heart’s true desire
  • From the author of The Unexpected Diva, whose novels are “beautifully crafted and captivating” (Victoria Christopher Murray, coauthor of The Personal Librarian)
  • One of 2026’s most anticipated books, according to Essence
Learn more...
Media mentions for A Harlem Wedding by Tiffany L. Warren MEDIA MENTIONS: Essence, Ebony
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Book cover for Last Summer at Maine Chance by Jessica Everett
Escape to lakeside Maine in this charming tale
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The perfect pick for fans of Lessons in Chemistry
  • When economics undergrad Cynthia takes a summer job at Elizabeth Arden’s iconic spa in 1950s Maine, she embarks on a life-changing journey of self-discovery
  • “Charming, witty, and heartwarming… A must-read for anyone who believes in rewriting the rules” (Susan Wiggs)
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Media mentions for Last Summer at Maine Chance by Jessica Everett MEDIA MENTION: Booklist
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Book cover for Mrs. Benedict Arnold by Emma Parry
Benedict Arnold is known for betrayal, but his wife nearly ended the American Revolution
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Don’t miss this “refreshing take on a seminal moment in American history” (Fiona Davis)
  • Amid the clashes between the Loyalists and the Patriots, spirited, savvy Peggy hatches a plan that could secure her family’s future — and alter the country’s history
  • Kristin Harmel says, “If you love Hamilton, you’ll devour the well-researched, fast-paced, and fascinating Mrs. Benedict Arnold
Learn more...
Media mentions for Mrs. Benedict Arnold by Emma Parry MEDIA MENTION: Literary Hub
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Edmonia by Brianne Baker
Meet a trailblazing Black sculptor in this stunning novel
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Follow Edmonia Lewis’s life throughout the 19th and 20th centuries — from selling crafts at Niagara Falls to facing scandal at Oberlin College to finding community with follow expat artists in Rome
  • A richly detailed story about a woman who defied society’s constraints and expectations to carve her own path
  • “One of the most gripping stories I’ve read in years. It will hold your attention from the first page to the last” (New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe)
Learn more...
GET EBOOK ON:
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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 fiction pick...