History class making you think the past is dusty and dull? Make history come alive with a little help from the historical fiction reading lists!
In Historical Fiction: 20th Century and Onward, explore the Turn of the Century, the Great Depression, WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, plus much more!
Chasing Charity: Texas Fortunes Trilogy, Book 2 by Marcia Gruver
In this second book of the Texas Fortunes series, Charity Bloom is left stranded at the altar after her best friend takes off with her fiance. How will she ever show her face in town again? After Buddy Pierce discovers oil on the Bloom property, he realizes the real treasure may be above ground-in the form of Charity Bloom. Can he strike it rich in Charity? When her ex-fiance decides he wants her back, whom will Charity choose--the handsome roughneck or the deceitful rogue?
Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist
It's 1894, the year of Essie's thirtieth birthday, and she decides the Lord has more important things to do than provide her a husband. If she wants one, she needs to catch him herself. So, she writes down the names of all the eligible bachelors in her small Texas town, makes a list of their attributes and drawbacks, closes her eyes, twirls her finger, and...picks one.
Kaspar the Titanic Cat written by Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
When Kaspar the cat first arrived at London’s Savoy Hotel, it was Johnny Trott who carried him in. But when tragedy befalls the Countess during her stay, Kaspar becomes more than Johnny’s responsibility: Kaspar is Johnny’s new cat, and his new best friend.
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
In 1914, Joey, a beautiful bay-red foal with a distinctive cross on his nose, is sold to the army and thrust into the midst of the war on the Western Front. With his officer, he charges toward the enemy, witnessing the horror of the battles in France.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Living in Germany during World War II, young Liesel Meminger scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist --- books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids.
Countdown by Deborah Wiles
It's 1962, and it seems everyone is living in fear. Twelve-year-old Franny Chapman lives with her family in Washington, DC, during the days surrounding the Cuban Missile Crisis. Amidst the pervasive threat of nuclear war, Franny must face the tension between herself and her younger brother, figure out where she fits in with her family, and look beyond outward appearances.
Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood
As much as Glory wants to turn 12, sometimes she wishes she could turn back the clock a year. Her sister Jesslyn no longer has the time of day for her now that she’s entering high school. Things have always been so easy with her best friend Frankie, but now suddenly they aren’t. And then there’s the debate about whether or not the town should keep the segregated public pool open.
More books like the ones on this list »
History class making you think the past is dusty and dull? Make history come alive with a little help from the historical fiction reading lists!
In Historical Fiction: Before the 20th Century, explore the Medieval age, Salem Witch Trials, moving to the Western Frontier and the Civil War, plus much more!
To see historical fiction books from the 20th century and onward, click here.
Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson
As the Revolutionary War begins, 13-year-old Isabel wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom upon the death of their owner, she and her sister, Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less for Ruth and Isabel. When Isabel meets Curzon, a slave with ties to the Patriots, he encourages her to spy on her owners, who know details of British plans for invasion. She is reluctant at first, but when the unthinkable happens to Ruth, Isabel realizes her loyalty is available to the bidder who can provide her with freedom.
More books like the ones on this list »
Lisa See Book Group Signup
Lisa See Book Group Signup
August 22, 2026
August can be a slow time for book groups as it feels like part of the country is getting into their back-to-school routines and the other half is on vacation. This means that book group scheduling is often on the back burner, which gives you time to do something special if your group is not meeting. Read on to ensure that you have something to suggest for your next read.
My group met this week and discussed MAD MABEL, which is a Bookreporter.com Bets On selection. Sally Hepworth was a new author for many of them. I hope they enjoy more of Sally's books as I have.
Editorial Content for Death Row
Book
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Freida McFadden has become one of the most recognized thriller writers in the world. She also happens to be basking in the glow of the successful film adaptation of her novel, THE HOUSEMAID. A sequel already has been greenlit, based on THE HOUSEMAID’S SECRET, and is scheduled to be released at the end of 2027.
McFadden’s latest book, DEATH ROW, is a novella. I was amazed by how she uses this structure to convey a story that immediately hooks readers with a clever premise and plenty of plot twists. This all happens in just under 75 pages! Read More
Teaser
Talia Kemper is on death row for murdering her husband. She had an alibi and no known motive, yet her unwavering protestations of innocence have always been ignored. Then one day in the visiting area, she sees a man she's certain is her husband. The person she's been convicted of killing may not be dead after all. But as the days tick away toward Talia's execution, what will it take for her to be believed?
Promo
Talia Kemper is on death row for murdering her husband. She had an alibi and no known motive, yet her unwavering protestations of innocence have always been ignored. Then one day in the visiting area, she sees a man she's certain is her husband. The person she's been convicted of killing may not be dead after all. But as the days tick away toward Talia's execution, what will it take for her to be believed?
About the Book
A thrilling novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden.
Death is coming for her...unless she finds the truth first.
Talia Kemper is on death row for murdering her husband. She had an alibi and no known motive, yet her unwavering protestations of innocence have always been ignored.
Then one day in the visiting area, she sees a man she's certain is her husband. The person she's been convicted of killing may not be dead after all.
But as the days tick away toward Talia's execution, what will it take for her to be believed?
With all hope of an appeal fading away, the fate of a condemned murderess takes a shocking turn in a breathtaking novella from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of THE HOUSEMAID.
Audiobook available, read by Lauryn Allman
