When the evenings stretch long and golden, there is no better companion than a historical novel that pulls you into another world entirely.
That is the beauty of this genre — it doesn’t just entertain, it transports. Below is my personal summer reading list: a carefully chosen blend of timeless classics, compelling contemporary releases, and a very exciting announcement about my own upcoming work. Each one is rich with immersive world-building, unforgettable characters, and the kind of meticulous research that makes history feel lived-in rather than studied.
1. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I return to this book again and again, and I never tire of it. Set in Nazi-occupied France — a world I know something about, having lived in post-war Europe as a child — Hannah follows two sisters whose acts of quiet courage reshape everything we think we know about resistance. Her lyrical prose reminds me why I write: because some stories refuse to stay silent.
2. The River Between by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
History is not a Western monopoly, and this Kenyan classic is a stunning reminder of that truth. Ngũgĩ’s vivid depiction of colonial tension and tribal conflict opens a window onto a world that deserves far more attention from historical fiction readers. It broadens the canvas — and that is exactly what good historical fiction should do.
3. The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner
A multigenerational saga beginning in 1745 — I was already hooked at that description. Banner weaves identity, love, and survival across centuries with the kind of patience and craft that only a deeply committed storyteller can sustain. This is the sort of book you find yourself thinking about long after you’ve closed the final page.
4. Death at Brookhaven — Coming This Summer
I’ve been living inside this story for years, and I am so close to being able to share it with you.
All I will say for now is this: a sprawling English estate in 1960s Oxfordshire. A murder that was never solved. And secrets that have been waiting a very long time to come to light.
Mark your calendar — the book cover reveals May 1st. And trust me, you’ll want to be watching.
5. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Strictly speaking, this isn’t historical fiction — but Tartt’s elite academic world feels timeless in the way that only the best writing can. The morally complex characters and labyrinthine plotting make it perfect reading for those long, slow summer evenings when you want your mind fully engaged.
6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
What drew me to this book — and keeps drawing me back — is the narrator. Death, observing a German girl hiding books during the Holocaust, offers a perspective so unexpected it reframes everything. As someone who has always believed that history is best understood through the eyes of ordinary people caught in extraordinary times, Zusak’s choice of voice felt like a revelation.
How to Choose Your Next Read
When I’m recommending books to fellow history lovers, I always suggest thinking through three things:
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Era: Are you drawn to wartime Europe, the colonial period, post-war Britain? Let your fascination lead you.
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Genre blend: Do you want romance woven through your mystery? Do you prefer sweeping sagas or tightly wound suspense? My own work tends to blend all three — I can’t seem to help myself.
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Pace: Some books are meant to be devoured in a weekend. Others ask you to slow down and sit with them. Know which kind of summer you’re having.
Join the Conversation
I genuinely love hearing from readers — what moves you, what surprises you, what stays with you. Leave a comment below with your favorite historical fiction, or sign up for my newsletter for monthly recommendations, and exclusive excerpts as we get closer to publication.
Summer is the season for stories. Whether you travel by plane or by page, I hope one of these books becomes your perfect companion — and I hope Death at Brookhaven earns a place on your nightstand this summer.