Wednesday, May 13, 2026

This month’s best new historical fiction

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month’s Best New Historical Fiction
 
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Book cover for The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline
The beloved author of Orphan Train delivers a mesmerizing tale inspired by her own family history
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • In 19th-century North Carolina, sisters Sarah and Adelaide marry world-famous conjoined twins from Siam
  • With praise from Ann Napolitano, Jess Walter, and Adriana Trigiani, who says, “The Foursome stands as the jewel in the crown of Christina Baker Kline’s dazzling career”
  • “Emotionally moving, hard to put down… Written with compassion and sensitivity” (Library Journal starred review)
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Media mentions for The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline MEDIA MENTIONS: People, Real Simple, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, The Millions
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Book cover for The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett
‘So immersive, exciting, and downright fabulous, you never want it to end’ (Oprah Daily)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Help delivers one of 2026’s most anticipated relases: her first novel in 17 years
  • In a Mississippi town gripped by the Great Depression, orphan Meg and defiant Birdie collide as they take back control of their lives
  • “Smart, funny, and driven by unforgettable characters… This is a must-read” (Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry)
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Media mentions for The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett MEDIA MENTIONS: NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, Slate, Town & Country, Good Housekeeping, Parade, Los Angeles Times, The Times, New York Post, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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Book cover for The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles
Get swept away by this ‘sparkling, heartfelt ode to libraries’ (Kristin Harmel)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library and Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
  • Lily finds herself adrift living alone in Paris — but a job at the American Library will lead her to uncover stories dating back to World War II…
  • “Francophiles, bibliophiles, and anyone who enjoys an engaging story with memorable characters will be delighted” (Library Journal)
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Media mentions for The Parisian Chapter by Janet Skeslien Charles MEDIA MENTION: Library Journal
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Book cover for The Original by Priya Parmar
Kristin Hannah highly recommends this stunning work of biographical fiction
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • As a young Katharine Hepburn rises to stardom in Los Angeles, the true cost of fame turns out to be higher than she ever imagined…
  • “Vivid, daring, and full of emotional bite. This is a novel you press into your best friend’s hands the moment you finish” (Paula McLain)
  • “Historical fiction fans will be drawn to this immersive portrait” (Publishers Weekly)
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Media mentions for The Original by Priya Parmar MEDIA MENTIONS: People, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, BookPage
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Book cover for Liar’s Dice by Juliet Faithfull
When her twin is sent away, Dolores will stop at nothing to bring her home
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Jodi Picoult calls this coming-of-age tale “pitch-perfect and full of heart”
  • Set in 1970s Brazil, this gripping story of family secrets is inspired by the author’s own relationship with her twin sister
  • Rave reviews from Florence Knapp, Jamie Ford, and Sandra Cisneros, who says, “Faithfull is a master storyteller and visionary”
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Media mentions for Liar’s Dice by Juliet Faithfull MEDIA MENTIONS: TODAY Show, Oprah Daily, The Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
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Book cover for A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
‘Ought to be required reading as our nation marks its 250th birthday’ (Allison Pataki)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The latest from the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton
  • From the American Revolution to her husband’s presidency, Abigail Adams boldly rises to the challenge to shape the future
  • Kate Quinn raves, “The research shines, the prose gleams, [and] the characterization is a delight”
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Media mentions for A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie MEDIA MENTION: People
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Book cover for A Harlem Wedding by Tiffany L. Warren
Harlem is preparing for a high-profile wedding — but the bride and groom both have secrets
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Debutante Yolanda, daughter of W. E. B. Du Bois, is engaged to famous poet Countee Cullen — but she finds herself torn between familial expectations and her heart’s true desire
  • From the author of The Unexpected Diva, whose novels are “beautifully crafted and captivating” (Victoria Christopher Murray, coauthor of The Personal Librarian)
  • One of 2026’s most anticipated books, according to Essence
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Media mentions for A Harlem Wedding by Tiffany L. Warren MEDIA MENTIONS: Essence, Ebony
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Book cover for Last Summer at Maine Chance by Jessica Everett
Escape to lakeside Maine in this charming tale
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The perfect pick for fans of Lessons in Chemistry
  • When economics undergrad Cynthia takes a summer job at Elizabeth Arden’s iconic spa in 1950s Maine, she embarks on a life-changing journey of self-discovery
  • “Charming, witty, and heartwarming… A must-read for anyone who believes in rewriting the rules” (Susan Wiggs)
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Media mentions for Last Summer at Maine Chance by Jessica Everett MEDIA MENTION: Booklist
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Book cover for Mrs. Benedict Arnold by Emma Parry
Benedict Arnold is known for betrayal, but his wife nearly ended the American Revolution
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Don’t miss this “refreshing take on a seminal moment in American history” (Fiona Davis)
  • Amid the clashes between the Loyalists and the Patriots, spirited, savvy Peggy hatches a plan that could secure her family’s future — and alter the country’s history
  • Kristin Harmel says, “If you love Hamilton, you’ll devour the well-researched, fast-paced, and fascinating Mrs. Benedict Arnold
Learn more...
Media mentions for Mrs. Benedict Arnold by Emma Parry MEDIA MENTION: Literary Hub
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Book cover for Edmonia by Brianne Baker
Meet a trailblazing Black sculptor in this stunning novel
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Follow Edmonia Lewis’s life throughout the 19th and 20th centuries — from selling crafts at Niagara Falls to facing scandal at Oberlin College to finding community with follow expat artists in Rome
  • A richly detailed story about a woman who defied society’s constraints and expectations to carve her own path
  • “One of the most gripping stories I’ve read in years. It will hold your attention from the first page to the last” (New York Times bestselling author Mary Monroe)
Learn more...
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The Short List: Deals on books everyone's talking about

 
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The Short List
Welcome to the Short List, a curated selection of rare discounts on today’s biggest, buzziest books. Happy reading!
Anatomy of an Alibi
Anatomy of an Alibi
By Ashley Elston
Boasting over 24,000 five-star Goodreads ratings, this recently released instant New York Times bestseller from the author of First Lie Wins is sure to “blow readers away… You won’t be able to put it down” (Mary Kubica). In a small Southern town, two women swap places to get the answers they need from the same man — but when he ends up murdered, only one has an alibi… “This expertly crafted thriller marks Ashley Elston as one of the best” (Ashley Audrain).
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Clown Town
Clown Town
By Mick Herron
One of NPR’s Best Books of 2025 is the latest New York Times bestseller and “best… book to date” (The Wall Street Journal) in the hit series behind Apple TV’s Slow Horses! When a book vanishes from a library donated to Oxford by a former head of MI5, disgraced agent River Cartwright races to protect state secrets. “If there are any spy-fiction fans who haven’t yet read Herron’s books, now’s a good time to rectify that” (Booklist).
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The Mountains We Call Home
The Mountains We Call Home
By Kim Michele Richardson
The New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek wows with a “brilliant” brand-new novel starring “one of the most dynamic characters in American fiction” (William Kent Krueger). When Cussy Lovett, a packhorse librarian who carts books across Appalachia, finds herself unjustly incarcerated, she finds purpose as a prison librarian. “A story readers will treasure long after” (Lisa Wingate).
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The Last Letters of Sally and Walter
The Last Letters of Sally and Walter
By Cammie McGovern
This “beautiful, hopeful, exhilarating gem” (Lily King) that has Sandwich author Catherine Newman gushing, “It’s so good I cried when it was over,” is perfect for your next book club! Anxious to fit in, the newest resident of the Golden Grove retirement community joins a Scrabble club — and forms an unexpected bond with the one other curmudgeonly member!
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Cleopatra
Cleopatra
By Saara El-Arifi
Madeline Miller fans won’t want to miss this “extraordinary achievement that raises Cleopatra from the sands of time” (Samantha Shannon) and breathes new life into an ancient legend you thought you knew. Historians have called her a seductress and a witch — but there’s more to her story, and Cleopatra will be silent no longer… R. F. Kuang crowns this powerful historical epic a “masterpiece.”
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A Long Dark Night
A Long Dark Night
By Lilli Sutton
Deep in Alaska’s snow-covered wilderness, workers are going missing… And when Nina returns home to salvage her family’s sled dog business, she’s drawn into a deadly search for the truth. This “tense and atmospheric” new thriller (USA Today bestselling author Kimi Cunningham Grant) is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat!
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The Final Storm
The Final Storm
By Fern Michaels
From a late #1 New York Times bestselling powerhouse “known for her enthralling page-turners” (Woman’s World) comes a posthumous new release sure to delight long-time fans and win over new readers. After a painful childhood, Charlotte Gray has carefully built a life as a wildlife photographer. When she meets a handsome stranger, could his own past threaten her fresh start?
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Mattering
Mattering
By Jennifer Breheny Wallace
This instant New York Times bestseller is “vitally important” (Adam Grant) — take it from Oprah Winfrey, who urges, “Everybody should pick up a copy,” and Ina Garten, who raves, “Mattering should be required reading.” Today, a fundamental human need is not being met. Discover a transformative framework for reinstating meaning in our modern lives in “the most consequential book I have encountered in years” (New York Times bestselling author Kelly Corrigan).
  NYT Bestseller
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The Geomagician
The Geomagician
By Jennifer Mandula
“Full of wonder,” this March release will “hold on to your imagination even after you’ve turned the last page” (Heather Fawcett, author of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries). A pterodactyl egg hatching in her hands changes everything for Mary, who dreams of becoming a magic-wielding paleontologist despite Victorian society’s restrictions on women! “Come for the enchanting writing. Stay for the baby pterodactyl” (Meg Shaffer, author of The Wishing Game).
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The Curse of Hester Gardens
The Curse of Hester Gardens
By Tamika Thompson
The Haunting of Hill House meets Jordan Peele in this “innovative twist on the haunted house novel” (People) hailed as “a must-read” (Tananarive Due, author of The Reformatory). Single mother Nona will do whatever it takes to protect her two sons — but a strange force is at work in their public housing project…
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