July means lots of swimming, vacation where there’s water, and my birthday. This year, I’m looking forward to swimming with my grandchildren in my pool and in Hawaii! My birthday will be unremarkable. It’s NEXT year that will be the landmark year.
In the meantime, here are some new historical novels to read by the pool.
BEST COVER
The Secret Market of the Dead by Giovanni De Feo (18th century Naples, July 8)
“An “enthralling” Italian-inspired gothic historical fantasy about a young woman who finds her power in the nocturnal realm that lurks beneath her town.” ~Genevieve Cogman, author of The Invisible Library and Elusive
This is a switch. Usually I like covers with bright colors, and there are several of those this month. The one I chose has color, but it’s in the wonderful details. If it’s too small to see on your device, it’s worth clicking on the link and zooming in. Gorgeous!
The Secrets of Provence by Daisy Wood (Provence, 1940 and Paris present day)
The Club for Rebellious Ladies by Siobhan Curham (Provence, 1918, July 8)
Days of Sun and Shadow by India Hayford (Alabama, 1813)
The Man She Had to Save by Catherine Hokin (Spain, 1935, July 15)
The French Spymistress by Rachel Hore (WWII France, July 2)
BEST TITLE
The Librarian of Oslo by Kelly Rimmer (July 21)
“Rimmer alternates between Fiona’s story and the novel she found, building intrigue by slowly revealing how the stories intersect. Readers who enjoy secret-filled family sagas by Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley will be drawn into this gothic-tinged tale.”–Booklist on The Story Keeper
All of these titles are interesting. The one I chose is arguably the least interesting by itself, but I do love books about books and stories. This one includes a crumbling Gothic estate and a library with a curious book. That qualifies it for Most Intriguing, too. The cover is also pretty enough to be chosen in that category. All around, a winner!
The Librarian of Oslo by Anna Norman (WWII Oslo)
The Scandalous Ladies Football Club by Frances Quinn (London, 1897, July 2)
The Starlet and the Killer Gossip Column by Lisa Hall (1950s Hollywood, July 23)
A Lady’s Handbook to Gadgets and Guile by Angela Bell (London, 1895, July 2)
The Witch Below the Dreaming Wood by H. G. Parry (Wales, 1941, July 27)
MOST INTRIGUING
Under the Crescent by Bat Ye’Or (Cairo, 19th-20th century, July 14)
“The Half Life is a page-turner. Historical in setting, but contemporary in emotional terrain, I felt immersed in the landscape of La Maddalena and in the lives of these characters from the very first page.”—Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes
These are all interesting concepts, but none of them win any prizes for cover design! I am not a fan of the handwriting over the picture. Brides looks more terrifying than I believe a story about Dracula’s brides might be. My choice, though, is for the novel about the discrimination of Jews and Christians in Egypt.
Meet me in Paris by Kristin Harmel (July 28)
No. 1 St. James’s Park by Alan Judd
Brides by Charlotte Cross (July 7)
Henry Tudor Must Die by Jillian Laine (July 21)
The Half Life by Rachel Beanland (July 14)
A Special Treat This Month!
Books set in Paris abound in the historical fiction world. This month, there are THREE new books with Paris in the title, and another one coming in August (stay tuned). One of the novels I mentioned above is set in Paris, too, and one in France—not sure if it’s Paris.
Need more historical fiction on your TBR? See even more new release titles at Historical Novel Society.
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