Historical flights of fancy
Who needs a time machine when you can pick up an incredible work of historical fiction (or a time travel book)? Historical fiction, at its core, is a literary genre in which the plot takes place in a setting located in the past. Sound general? That’s because the best thing about historical fiction books is how creative and diverse they can be. From historical mysteries to period romances to epic dramas to fantasies, historical fiction books can cover a wide range of stories, perspectives and events. Plus, you’ll learn some (real) facts from reading them along the way, so it’s a win-win!
The books on this list were hand-picked for a number of reasons. Some of these historical novels are classics and rank among the best books of all time, while others are more recent, critically acclaimed award winners. Some were chosen by Reader’s Digest book editors for their lasting appeal—look for the Reader’s Digest Editor’s Choice seal on those. Still others are brand-new works written by authors who previously knocked it out of the park or are audience favorites, according to Amazon and Goodreads.
Whatever topic you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here. Just keep in mind that authors can take quite a bit of creative license, so you’ll want to double-check the facts and turn to a trusted source, like these nonfiction books and Holocaust books, for heavier topics. With that in mind, get ready to get swept away to another time and place. Happy reading!
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1. A Ballad of Love and Glory by Reyna Grande
Setting: 1840s, Mexico
Set during the Mexican-American War, this 2022 novel explores themes of colonialism, war and star-crossed love. Ximena Salomé, who is an army nurse, and John Riley, an Irish immigrant who deserts the Yankee army to fight on the Mexican side, find themselves swept up in passion and danger as the war intensifies around them. This sweeping novel has been lauded for its historical accuracy and for bringing an overlooked period in history to light with compelling characters and a deeply romantic love story. If you love to read about love, these enemies-to-lovers books will thrill you.
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