Beyond the Pages

A celebration of storytelling across time — from unforgettable historical fiction to the quiet work behind the words. Here you’ll find book recommendations, behind-the-scenes reflections, and stories in the making. A space for readers who love immersive settings, emotional depth, and books that linger long after the final page.

Beyond the Pages is the official blog of historical women’s fiction author Tanya E Williams. This space explores the stories behind the stories—offering insights into historical research, the writing process, and the emotional threads that shape character-driven fiction set in the past.

What You’ll Find Here

Behind-the-scenes reflections on writing historical women’s fiction
Research discoveries and historical context from the 1920s through the mid-20th century
Book recommendations for readers who love emotional, character-driven stories
Reflections on storytelling, creativity, and the quiet courage found in fiction

New posts are added regularly and explore both finished stories and works in progress.

Blog FAQ

What is the Beyond the Pages blog about?
Beyond the Pages is a blog dedicated to historical women’s fiction, storytelling, and the creative process behind emotionally rich, character-driven novels.

Who is this blog for?
This blog is written for readers who enjoy immersive historical settings, strong female protagonists, and stories that explore family, resilience, and identity.

5 Historical Fiction Novels That Left Me Changed (In the Best Way)

As a writer of historical women’s fiction, I find myself constantly searching for stories that not only captivate but also leave me thinking long after I’ve closed the book. The kind of books that stay with you, that fill your heart and mind in ways words can’t quite explain. These are the stories that make us feel, the ones that challenge our understanding of resilience, bravery, and the incredible women who have shaped history.

Dancing Through Danger: Exploring the Final Chapter of Katharine Schellman’s Nightingale Series

There’s something irresistibly alluring about slipping into a story that captures both the glitter and grit of the past. In Katharine Schellman’s Nightingale Series, readers are transported to 1920s New York—an era of prohibition, speakeasies, secrets, and shadows. With the release of Last Dance Before Dawn, the final installment in the series, Schellman brings her vivid historical mystery series to a satisfying and emotional close.

The Big Apple in Fiction: Four Novels That Bring NYC to Life

Few cities inspire the imagination like New York—and few authors capture it with as much elegance and emotion as Fiona Davis. Whether you’re drawn to hidden histories, sweeping romances, or women seeking purpose against dynamic backdrops, Davis’s novels offer richly layered stories where the city becomes a character all its own.

The Books That Stayed With Me: My Favorite Historical Fiction Reads of Summer (So Far!)

There’s something about summer that invites a different kind of reading. Maybe it’s the slower mornings, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the way long evenings stretch just wide enough to hold a few extra chapters. For me, this season has always been a time to slip into stories that linger—books that nourish as much as they captivate.

My July Reading List: Bookish Escapes, Mysteries, and Motivation

There’s something about July that feels both slow and fleeting—the perfect balance of long sunny afternoons and lazy evenings that beg for a good book in hand. As a writer and lifelong reader, summer has always been a time to escape into new stories, explore unfamiliar places, and uncover hidden truths between the pages. This month, my reading list is a curated blend of genres and formats. From beachy women's fiction and historical adventures to motivational nonfiction and gripping suspense, each book has earned a spot for a different reason. Here’s a peek at what I’m reading in July—and why you might want to add these titles to your own summer stack.