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.

This summer, I found myself drawn to novels that offered exactly that: emotional depth, beautifully drawn characters, and a quiet kind of power that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. If you’re looking for your next historical fiction read—something immersive, heartfelt, and rich with meaning—I hope this list offers a spark of inspiration.

And if you’re new here, welcome! I’m Tanya E. Williams, author of character-driven historical fiction like The Hotel Hamilton Series, The Bootlegger’s Betrayal, and Growing into Greatness. My stories center around women who rise through quiet courage, set against the rich textures of the past. If that sounds like your kind of reading experience, you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive into my favorite historical fiction reads of the summer (so far!).

1. Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor

This beautifully imagined prequel to The Wonderful Wizard of Oz centers around the woman who became Dorothy’s world in Kansas—and it absolutely captured my heart. Before Dorothy is rich with imagination, sorrow, and quiet strength. Hazel Gaynor blends historical fiction with a touch of whimsy, crafting a novel that is as emotionally honest as it is creatively bold.

What I loved most? This book didn’t change how I viewed Oz—it deepened it. Perfect for readers who love stories about resilience, motherhood, and the women behind iconic tales.

2. Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman

If you love jazz-age glamour mingled with the grit of everyday survival, you’ll want to step into the world of The Nightingale Series. This fourth and final installment delivers mystery, emotion, and an undercurrent of longing that makes it hard to put down.

Schellman’s writing feels like slipping into a smoky nightclub where gangsters, socialites, and struggling artists all collide. Last Dance Before Dawn is layered, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant—an ideal end to a series that explores strength in unlikely places. For a deeper look into this book’s creation, check out my recent Book Banter interview with the author. It’s well worth the watch.

3. Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

When a novel opens with the line, “The farmer is dead. He is dead, and all anyone wants to know is who killed him,” I’m hooked. This lyrical and haunting story is about more than mystery—it’s about land, loyalty, and the emotional cost of the choices we make.

Hall’s prose is stunning, and her characters are drawn with nuance and tenderness. This is a story that wraps itself around you slowly—and doesn’t let go. If you love fiction that explores the cracks in a family’s foundation while still offering hope, Broken Country delivers in spades.

4. James by Percival Everett

A bold and brilliant retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but this time through the eyes of Jim. This novel is everything I hoped it would be—sharp, funny, devastating, and poignant. Everett doesn’t just reinterpret a classic; he reclaims it, giving voice to a character who was long overshadowed.

I highly recommend the audiobook for this one. The narration is impeccable, capturing every beat of the prose with perfect timing. This is one of those stories that challenges and transforms the way you see familiar narratives—and yourself.

5. A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner

Set in 1956 Malibu, this novel follows three women on different paths to healing. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways as they each search for meaning, freedom, and self-worth.

What I appreciated most about A Map to Paradise is how quietly powerful it is. Meissner captures heartbreak and hope with equal grace. If you enjoy novels that explore women’s inner lives with depth and compassion—especially against a beautifully rendered historical backdrop—this one’s for you.

Bonus: What I’m Reading Now

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick

I’m about halfway through this novel and absolutely loving it. It’s warm, witty, and full of heart—with a cast of strong, complicated women navigating life together in a way that feels authentic and affirming. Honestly? I’d love to join their book club.

What These Stories Have in Common

Each of these novels gave me something more than just a good read. They offered reflection, resonance, and emotional truth. Whether it was a reimagined classic, a sweeping family saga, or a story grounded in quiet rebellion, these books reminded me why I write—and why I read.

They celebrate the strength of the human spirit, the pull of legacy, and the resilience it takes to claim your own path. And if that’s the kind of story you’re drawn to, I’d love to introduce you to one of my recent novels.

If You Loved These, You Might Also Love… Growing into Greatness

Set in early 20th-century Napa Valley, Growing into Greatness follows Sofia Russo, a young woman expected to step aside while her brother inherits the family vineyard. But Sofia has dreams of her own—and a quiet determination to rewrite her future.

It’s a story about legacy, betrayal, and the quiet strength it takes to become who you were always meant to be.

“For every woman who’s ever felt overlooked, this is a heartfelt story of love, loss, and the courage to reclaim your place in the world.”

If that resonates with you, I invite you to explore Sofia’s journey. You can learn more about the book [HERE].

Until next time, happy reading—and may you always find the story that speaks to your soul.

Tanya
Historical Fiction Author | Tea Drinker | Avid Daydreamer