The end of September brings the third quarter of the year to an end. And what a year it’s been! While it hasn’t been as carefree and normal as we had hoped, things are slowly getting there. The past three months were filled with thousands of miles of travel for me, from Pennsylvania to Louisiana to California. That left little time for reading but with a return to routine in the fall, I think I’m still on track to reach my goal of 125 books read by the end of the year.
I finished 22 books this quarter, mostly historical fiction, but there are a few other genres I’ve discovered, namely historical romance and historical mystery. It’s fun seeing how authors weave historical facts into these compulsively readable genres!
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Favorite Historical Fiction Books for Adults
Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, and Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon (Outlander books 2-4)
I spent most of my vacations reading several of the 1000+ page books in the Outlander series, which has quickly become a favorite. The historical detail is rich and the story is captivating, not just the romance between Claire and Jamie but the way they intertwine over centuries and through historical events. I have become a huge fan! I can’t wait to dive into book #5, which I’m saving for November.
A Woman of Intelligence by Karin Tanabe
Tanabe has become a favorite historical fiction author thanks to an ARC I received of this July release. It’s one of my favorite books of the year, the story going deeper than any historical fiction I’ve read. She really knows how to write about motherhood!
Our Woman in Moscow by Beatriz Williams
I loved this lush, descriptive novel about two sisters during the Cold War, which has become one of my favorite time periods to read about recently.
Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi
This was my first fiction book on audio, and it was an amazing experience. I thought this book was timely since it takes place partly in 1978 Afghanistan, giving me more historical context on a current news topic. The writing is stunning, and the story will captivate you.
Haven Point by Virginia Hume
I love generational family dramas, and this book combines that with historical fiction! This book takes you on a journey from WWII-era Washington, DC to present day Maine with lots of historical events, family secrets, and heart-stopping moments between.
Historical Mystery
Birds of a Feather and Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs series 2 & 3)
These compelling mysteries have taught me so much about post-WWI England.
Historical Romance
Portrait of a Scotsman by Evie Dunmore
The third book in my favorite historical romance series, A League of Extraordinary Woman, did not disappoint. I love the historical facts, witty banter, and slow burn of all of these books, and this one took that to a new level in one of my favorite book locales – Scotland!
Historical Nonfiction
A Mortal Blow to the Confederacy: The Fall of New Orleans, 1862 by Mark Bielski
I love the Emerging Civil War series and picked this up on our trip to New Orleans in July. It’s a great series to learn more details about each specific battle of the war.
Middle Grade Book
Pirates on the Bay by Steven K. Smith
The tenth book in the Virginia Mysteries series, this novel will captivate your children with swash-buckling history and fun adventure!
Other genres
I had three 5 star reads outside of the historical fiction/nonfiction genres this quarter.
Landslide: A Novel by Susan Conley
A touching book about mid-life – kids, jobs, parents – in Maine. I especially recommend it for any moms of teenage boys!
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
A sweet contemporary romance about a young widow and washed up baseball player in Maine (my third book about Maine from this quarter!). I started it at 10 pm one night and had to finish it the next morning!
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
One of my favorite authors never disappoints in her dissection of the lives of mothers. This time it’s a deep dive into the Delaney family – newly retired parents, Stan and Joy, and their four grown (but dysfunctional) children. Of course, there’s a psychological thriller element thrown in to keep the pages turning!
What was your third quarter reading like? Let me know in the comments?
The History Mom 