There are some great historical fiction novels coming out in the first three months of the year. From a highly anticipated sophomore release to new books by some of my favorite authors, there are enough books to keep me busy on this list!
As always, I haven’t read these anticipated books (unless indicated). I’ve gotten many of these as advanced review copies (ARCs) through NetGalley, so be sure to check back often for my reviews or follow me on Instagram or Goodreads to hear what I thought about these books.
Books are listed in order of release date. All links are Amazon affiliate links. If you’d like to support independent bookstores and creators, check out my Bookshop.org affiliate link.
Historical Fiction
Most Anticipated Book
One Good Thing by Georgia Hunter (March 4th)
Hunter’s first novel, We Were the Lucky Ones, is one of my favorite books of all time. I hope her sophomore novel set in Italy during WWII will be just as good!
Favorite Authors
A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner (March 18th)
Meissner is one of my top favorite historical fiction authors, and I will always read her books! This novel about a blacklisted Hollywood starlet in 1956 Malibu and her mysterious neighbor looks fascinating! Read my review here.
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry (March 18th)
Henry always writes beautiful books, and her latest about a woman searching for clues about her missing mother in the Lake District of England sounds enchanting! I have an ARC and hope to get to it soon! Read my five star review here!
New to Me Authors
I have heard of these authors many times but haven’t actually gotten a chance to read their books yet. These latest releases sound so good, I hope to finally get to them this year!
The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz (January 21st)
This novel set in 18th century Virginia and Scotland looks perfect for me. This is my current read, and I am enjoying all of the rich historical detail of colonial Virginia and Scotland! Read my review here.
Let Us March On by Shara Moon (February 4th)
I had previously mentioned this book last year, but its publication date was changed to 2025. I am excited to finally read the story of Lizzie McDuffie who was a Civil Rights pioneer in the FDR White House. Read my review here.
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn (February 25th)
I love books about the Titanic, especially ones that look at the aftermath and how easy it was for someone to go missing in the confusion. Like Rose from the movie come to life! I have an ARC and will post my review soon. Read my review here.
The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley (March 4th)
I have always wanted to read Kearsley’s fantastical tales that are similar to Outlander, so I am determined to start with this latest novel that takes place in 17th century England and Scotland. I have an ARC and plan to read soon!
The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian (March 11th)
I’ve never read Bohjalian’s book, and this one about a Virginia woman taking in a Union soldier during the Civil War sounds perfect for me! Read my review here.
WWI/WWII Novels
Ace, Marvel, Spy: A Novel of Alice Marble by Jenni L. Walsh (January 14th)
I’ve already read this fascinating story about a tennis great lost to history who also became an Allied operative in WWII. It reads like a spy novel! Read my review here.
The Librarians of Lisbon by Suzanne Nelson (February 4th)
After reading Madeline Martin’s The Librarian Spy two years ago about Allied librarians undercover in neutral Portugal, I wanted to learn more about this unusual part of the war. I can’t wait to read this new novel about Lisbon and the intrigue that took place there.
Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin (February 4th)
Sent to Scotland as a Nazi spy, the main character of this book becomes a double agent for England. I will read anything set in Scotland and am excited to learn more about what happened there during the war. Read my review here.
The Dressmakers of London by Julia Kelly (February 18th)
I always love Kelly’s historical fiction set in London during the war, and her latest about two sisters and their late mother’s dress shop looks so good!
As the Storm Clouds Gather by M.B. Henry (March 4th)
I loved Henry’s debut about five different women during D-Day (All the Lights Above Us), and this newest release is about a young nurse in WWI. Looks great! Read my five-star review here.
Historical Thriller
The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas (January 14th)
I loved Thomas’ debut, For Those Who Are Lost, and she has taken a turn into the fast-paced historical thriller world in her latest novel. Set in Cold War Paris, a young ingénue from America comes to Paris in the early 1960s as a model for a Parisian fashion house. She finds herself thrust into the espionage of the Cold War and has to use her intellect and wits to save both herself and her country. I couldn’t put it down! Read my review here.
Their Shadows Deep by Peter Golden (February 1st)
I got this book as an Amazon First Read for January, and it looks so good! It’s a thriller set amidst the 1960 JFK presidential campaign. Can’t wait to dig in!
Historical Mystery
The Undoing of Violet Clayborn by Emily Critchley (March 4th)
Critchley’s 2023 book (One Puzzling Afternoon) was one of my top books of the year, so I am excited to read her latest about two young women at an English manor house in 1938. Read my review here.
The Girl from Greenwich Street by Lauren Willig (March 4th)
Have you ever wondered about the Hamilton lyrics from the song, Nonstop – “Gentlemen of the jury, I’m curious, bear with me, Are you aware that we’re making history? This is the first murder trial of our brand-new nation. The liberty behind deliberation.” Well, this book brings to life the real murder case of Elma Sands and her accused, Levi Weeks, who was defended by Hamilton and Burr. I can’t wait to read it!
Historical Romance
A Lady Would Know Better by Emma Theriault (January 28th)
I got to read a sample of this novel and it was delightful! It gave me Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie vibes. A young woman is found injured on grounds owned by the grumpy Earl of Belhaven and she cannot remember her name or why she is on the run. It promises to be fun! Read my review here.
Middle Grade/YA
One Wrong Step by Jennifer A. Neilsen (March 4th)
Set on the steep peaks of Mt. Everest during WWII, this novel about two children in a race against the Nazis to the top looks fascinating and perfect for middle grade readers. You can’t go wrong with any of Neilsen’s books!
History Nonfiction
Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham (January 21st)
If you loved Stephanie Dray’s Becoming Madam Secretary last year, this new nonfiction book about Frances Perkins is for you! I am excited to learn even more about this amazing woman.
The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies edited by Lisa M. Burns and Teri Finneman (February 6th)
I will read anything about the First Ladies and this is a new comprehensive collection of essays about these amazing women.
Presidents at War: How World War II Shaped a Generation of Presidents, from Eisenhower and JFK through Reagan and Bush by Steven M. Gillon (February 11th)
I was just talking with my son about how previous presidents had been shaped by WWII, so I can’t wait to read this book. The impact of the war on the “greatest generation” is still being felt today.
From Trenton to Yorktown: Turning Points of the Revolutionary War by John R. Maass (February 11th)
With 2025 starting the 250th celebrations of the American Revolution, I know we are going to see many books come out about this time period. I love how this book looks at several pivotal events to see how they led to victory.
Contemporary Books
Contemporary Fiction
I’m pretty picky on what contemporary fiction I read, but these all look great!
Some Other Time by Angela Brown (February 1st)
I am all in on time slip books, particularly ones where the protagonists get to see how choices not taken pan out. This book looks especially intriguing as it focuses on a woman at midlife whose marriage is crumbling when she gets the chance to see how her life would have been if she hadn’t married. Sounds alot like The Midnight Library which is one of my favorite books of all time! Read my review here.
Southern by Design by Grace Helena Walz (February 11th)
I’ll read anything set in Charleston, and this debut about a woman fixing up a low-country home while possibly getting a second chance at love looks perfect for me. I have an ARC and plan to read soon!
Jane and Dan at the End of the World by Colleen Oakley (March 11th)
I’ve loved several of Oakley’s quirky and hilarious books, so I know I’ll love this one where a couple on the brink of a divorce get caught up in crime ripped from the pages of the wife’s book! So fun!
Contemporary Romance
I am getting pickier with the romances I read, focusing on known authors or those with older protagonists.
The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson (February 11th)
I love Ferguson’s sweet rom coms and her latest about a romance author looks adorable!
Back After This by Linda Holmes (February 25th)
I love how Holmes’ books always feature more mature leads (40+). This book is about a podcast producer hosting a new series about dating. I can’t wait to read!
Nonfiction
Happy to Help: Adventures of a People Pleaser by Amy Wilson (January 7th)
I laughed out loud and found myself nodding in agreement with many of the things Wilson discusses as a harried mom in today’s world. It’s good to know that we Type A people pleasers aren’t alone! Read my review here.
This is not a comprehensive list but one that I am excited to read. What are your most anticipated books of 2025?
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