Love, Loss and Letting Go: These 10 Historical Fiction Books About Sisters Are Must-Reads

Whether or not you have a sister (or more than one!), you know that this sibling relationship can be complicated, to say the least. Throughout history, dozens of sisters have made headlines. From the author duo the Brontë sisters to the Schuyler sisters made famous by the musical Hamilton, we’re all familiar with these powerful, well-known and captivating women. Then, of course, there are the fictional sister groups like Little Women’s Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy and Pride and Prejudice’s Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Millions of readers fell in love with these novels, with their sisterly drama, conflict and coming-of-age arcs. But these aren’t the only historical fiction books about sisters—there are countless novels about sisters navigating everything from war to love, loss and more. Not sure where to begin? We’ve rounded up our favorites. 

If you love moving stories set during WWII,  Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. This heart-wrenching tale about two courageous sisters who couldn’t be more different from each other will move you to tears. Or maybe you prefer stories of perseverance and stepping into one’s destiny. In that case, we recommend Judithe Little’s The Chanel Sisters, which historical fiction lovers are calling “a beautiful story.”  

To learn more about these dazzling reads and discover the rest of our favorite historical fiction books about sisters, keep scrolling! 

‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah

This #1 New York Times bestselling novel — now set to be a major motion picture — paints a powerful portrait of love and strength in the midst of war. In a sleepy French hamlet, Vianne must say goodbye to her husband as he heads for the front and to her sister, who will join the resistance. Vianne never believed the Nazis would invade France, but here they are, requisitioning her home as she tries to save herself and her daughter from the perils of war. A haunting and rich tale that celebrates the strength of the human spirit.

What readers are saying: “I love WWII-era books and this portrayed such a heroic side of the war and the lengths that people will go to fight for what’s right. This has become one of my favorite books I’ve ever read! So many different angles and stories that make it so complex and emotional, but so amazing!” 

‘Katharine, the Wright Sister’ by Tracey Enerson Wood 

Readers are taken back in time in Katharine, the Wright Sister, which shines a light on one of the most overlooked women in history. Wilbur and Orville Wright built bicycles. Their adventurous spirits led them, with the immense help and sacrifice of their sister, Katharine, to create the first controlled, sustained flight of humankind. What follows is a tale of risks, dreams and loyalty, focused on the sister who was the behind-the-scenes mastermind. 

What readers are saying: Filled with dreams, obstacles, attempts, persistence, and above all, support for each other, the story highlights Katharine, an incredible woman who craved to live her own life despite the obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-driven world.

‘The Secret Book of Flora Lea’ by Patti Callahan Henry 

This lush, enthralling novel transports readers back to 1939 London. Sisters Hazel and Flora must evacuate their village during WWII. To distract themselves from reality, the young girls create a fairy tale about a secret, magical land. Then one day, 5-year-old Flora disappears. Twenty years later, Hazel, who has always blamed herself for Flora’s disappearance, finds a book in a rare bookstore written about their secret land. A beautiful tale of healing past hurts.

What readers are saying: “The idea of a story inside a story was magical, and the relationship between sisters Flora and Hazel was special, to say the least…This was such a wonderful story that crosses many genres. It’s part historical fiction, part mystery and part coming-of-age with a touch of romance…What a great premise and it was executed beautifully.” 

‘Sisters of the Resistance’ by Christine Wells 

This sweeping, emotional WWII tale set in Paris in 1944 features Gabby Foucher and her sister, Yvette, who are recruited into the Resistance by Catherine Dior, the sister of fashion designer Christian Dior. Soon they are swept into the world of spies and intrigue. A few years later, in 1947, the sisters reunite, and Yvette must learn the truth behind Catherine Dior’s fate, while Gabby finds that love is worth fighting for.

What readers are saying: “An amazing story of the resistance in France during WWII. I couldn’t help but think of The Nightingale when I started reading. The idea of two sisters during the War and how they react to what is going on is a similar theme, but the delivery is so different! I just wish I could give it more than 5 stars.” 

‘The Diabolical Bones’ by Bella Ellis 

It’s 1846, and the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily and Anne—hear that the bones of a child have been found sealed up in the chimney of a local home. They put on their detective caps with the hopes of discovering who the child was and who was behind his or her demise. But as their investigation moves forward, the women find themselves pulled into a plot that puts their own lives in danger. 

What readers are saying: “One of the only successful ways I distract myself from my worries is opening up a truly captivating book, and I was intrigued that this novel focused on the famous Brontë sisters, weaving in tidbits about their lives and the era in which they lived. I enjoyed how this story gave clues into the inspiration behind Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, which is one of my favorite classics. 

‘Sisters Under the Rising Sun’ by Heather Morris

This fascinating story of survival and resilience by bestselling author Heather Morris dazzles. In the midst of World War II, English musician Norah Chambers places her 8-year-old daughter Sally on a ship leaving Singapore, desperate to keep her safe from the Japanese army. Then Norah and her sister Ena flee Singapore on another ship, the Vyner Brooke, which gets bombed by the enemy. There they meet Nesta James, a nurse who has enlisted to tend to Allied troops. After surviving a treacherous 24 hours, the women, along with several other survivors (both nurses and civilians) reach the beaches of an island, only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their camps. The women fight side by side every day, protecting whoever they can…including each other.

What readers are saying: What really stands out in this book is how it captures the power of friendship and hope in tough times. The women’s courage and determination to support each other through the darkest moments is truly inspiring. The story keeps you hooked, and you’ll find yourself rooting for these incredible characters. 

‘The Dressmakers of London’ by Julia Kelly

Bestselling author Julia Kelly takes readers on an emotional journey to Great Britain in the 1940s. Izzie Shelton has spent her whole life working with her mother in their dress-making shop below their London apartment, where she dreams of designing her own clothing. Her estranged older sister Sylvia has left the family behind, marrying a wealthy doctor and living the high-society life. But when their mother dies suddenly and Izzie is forced to leave London to help the war effort, Sylvia must come home and run the shop.  

What readers are saying: “I found myself quickly engaged in this tale, as the characters were intriguing and relatable, and I adore a good family drama. However, what really elevated this book was the fascinating aspect of clothing in this period: having clothes made by local dressmakers instead of buying ready-made garments, and the impact of clothing rationing through the war and beyond.

‘The Vanishing Half’ by Brit Bennett 

Twin sisters, family secrets and small towns…this bestselling novel from Brit Bennett has it all. After fleeing their small southern town at age 16, the Vignes sisters are closer than ever. But once the twins grow up, that all changes. Now one of them is back in their hometown, raising her daughter, and the other is married to a man who knows nothing about her past. Soon, fate brings the sisters together again, causing old secrets to resurface and new tensions to rise. Will love be able to keep them together, or will they finally go their separate ways once and for all? A moving tale with heartache and page-turning plots set in the 1950s and beyond. 

What readers are saying: “The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is one of the most buzzed about bestsellers of 2020, and let me just say it lived up to the hype! Without a doubt, this is one of my most entertaining, unputdownable books I’ve read in a long time!” 

‘Maya & Natasha’ by Elyse Durham 

Travel back in time to Russia during the Cold War in this dazzling debut novel. Twin sisters Maya and Natasha were raised in 1941 Russia to a mother who cared more about her ballet career than them. They were soon sent to live at the Vaganova Ballet Academy, where the girls learned to become dancers. Now, seniors at the school, both of them want to dance with the Kirov and travel to America, but the company only accepts one, leaving Maya and Natasha forced to decide what matters most to them—before it’s too late. 

What readers are saying: Maya & Natasha is what you want every historical novel to be: firmly set in its time and place with characters you are drawn to who explore issues that matter. I didn’t want it to end.

‘The Chanel Sisters’ by Judithe Little 

Fashion, family and French backdrops abound in this historical fiction novel by bestselling author Judithe Little. Sisters Antoinette and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel have always known they were destined for a life of fame and fortune, despite what the convent they grew up in told them, which is why, after turning 18, they decided to see the world and prove that they can change it. But when WWII breaks out, Coco and Antoinette are forced to decide what really matters to them, and if things like fashion and fame are worth it. This novel is perfect for fans of Susan Meissner and Fiona Davis. 

What readers are saying:  “What a beautiful story showing love of family, friends and lovers to be the driving force of happiness in life. With hard work, determination, and love for each other. The Chanel sisters escaped poverty to acquire fame and fortune, but their happiness was based on those they loved and those who loved them.”