11 Holiday Historical Fiction Books That Will Transport You Back in Time—Festive Charm Awaits!
These historical novels provide an escape filled with history, hope and holiday joy!
Historical fiction is one of the most beloved genres in the literary world. These exhilarating stories blend fact, fiction and fascinating historical detail seamlessly—and they always provide a captivating escape! And holiday historical fiction novels offer all the same intrigue with an extra dash of festive charm. These tales meld the nostalgia and warmth of the season with the richness of history. And like all holiday stories, they also evoke the boundless joy, reflection and tradition that comes with the Christmas season. So, if you’re in the market for a festive historical tale, you’re in the right place. Here, we gathered up 10 of our favorite holiday historical fiction novels—they’re guaranteed to spread cheer!
Want to travel back in time to Paris and experience a decades-spanning love story? Pick up Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. For a festive and heartwarming wartime saga set in Cornwall, don’t miss Christmas with the Cornish Girls by Betty Walker. For a holiday classic with a twist, try Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva. Bestselling author Anthony Doerr described Silva’s novel as “a charming, comic and ultimately poignant story about the creation of the most famous Christmas tale ever written.”
Keep scrolling to discover 11 of our must-read holiday historical fiction books that will take you back in time. Happy reading!
‘Christmas with the Queen’ by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb
This Yuletide romp follows the story of Olive, a reporter and single mother who is given the chance to cover a royal Christmas celebration. An encounter with the Queen, plus a reunion with Jack, a widowed chef, has her questioning everything.
What readers are saying: “After bingeing The Crown on Netflix, I’ve been eagerly seeking ways to satisfy my craving for all things royal family,” says Julia Dennison, Woman’s World Digital Director. “Gaynor and Webb’s captivating look at postwar Britain does just that. As a journalist and single mama too, I was hanging on every word!”
‘Little Women’ by Louisa May Alcott
Set during the Civil War, this classic and beloved tale by Louisa May Alcott begins on Christmas Day and follows the March sisters. While their father is away at war, their mother supports the family. Sisters Beth, Jo, Meg and Amy rely on one another through ups and downs. Jo even pitches in to help financially by selling her short stories, but her real dream is to write her own novel someday. Then, the girls meet the rich and charming Theodore “Laurie” Lawrence and their tight-knit circle opens up a little bit more. What follows is a sweeping coming-of-age journey filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments.
What readers are saying: “This book begins with the famous line: ‘Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents,’ grumbled Jo, lying on the rug. I read this book every year and I find it’s best enjoyed around Christmas—after all, the holiday season is all about being with family, and no fictional family loves each other as much as The Marchs.”
‘Mr. Dickens and His Carol’ by Samantha Silva
This wondrous and whimsical book reimagines the story behind Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic. As the Christmas season approaches, Charles Dickens is facing a serious case of writer’s block. His latest book wasn’t successful, the critics no longer adore him and his friends and relatives are always asking him for money. Then, his publisher tries to force him to write a Christmas book—and he refuses. Searching for peace and clarity, he walks the streets of London where he meets Eleanor Lovejoy. What follows is a Scrooge-like journey, new inspiration and, perhaps, a story that will change Christmas forever.
What readers are saying: “A heartwarming tale that pays homage to a beloved Christmas story, blending cherished traditions with a fresh, modern twist. Prepare to be swept away by a captivating narrative that celebrates the spirit of the season, reminding us of the timeless values of family, generosity, and the magic that can unfold during the most wonderful time of the year.”
‘Christmas Bells’ by Jennifer Chiaverini
Told in a dual timeline and inspired by the classic poem Christmas Bells by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Jennifer Chiacerini’s novel is a story of Christmases past and present! In 1860 Boston, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is ready to celebrate the holiday with his family after the success of his poem Paul Revere’s Ride, but the country’s continued unrest weighs heavily on his mind. In present-day Boston, music aficionado Sophia must figure out what her children’s choir should sing for their annual Christmas Eve concert. Then, she finds inspiration in the town’s most famous local artist, Longfellow. A story about celebrating Yuletide joy and spreading cheer even while facing difficult times.
What readers are saying: “Everyone should read this book to remind us to have faith when everything seems broken. Beware, you will need a box of Kleenex for the last few chapters of the book. I highly recommend reading this book every year at Christmas.”
‘Homecoming’ by Beverly Jenkins
Bestselling author Beverly Jenkins is known for her emotional, heart-fluttering stories—and Homecoming follows suit. In 1883, Lydia Cooper is traveling home to celebrate the holidays when an unexpected complication alters her happy plans. Soldier Gray Dane—her first love who she walked away from—is also returning home for the holidays. As they reluctantly make their way home together, they try to mend past hurts. As they reconnect, they find their old passions still burning brightly.
What readers are saying: “Thanks, Beverly Jenkins, for an early Christmas present! This wonderful story is heartfelt and shows that true love lasts forever. When this once-young couple experienced a heartbreaking incident that destroyed their relationship, love eventually allows them to reunite. The feelings displayed in this story again emphasize how strong true love is!”
‘Last Christmas in Paris’ by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb
Filled with romance, heartbreak and a little bit of holiday magic, New York Times bestselling author Hazel Gaynor has joined forces with Heather Webb to craft an unforgettable, decade-spanning love story. The year is 1914 and England is at war and all Evie Elliott can do is watch her brother Will and his best friend Thomas Harding leave Paris for the front lines with the hopes they will be home for Christmas. But life has other plans and soon Evie and Thomas are writing each other letter after letter and slowly falling in love. Until Christmas in 1968 when Thomas returns to Paris and has one last letter to give. A moving, historical holiday tale.
What readers are saying: “Even during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, I couldn’t help but sneak away to devour this treasure for hours on end. I was so wrapped up in the romance, the bravery, the strength of the characters and the lost art of letter writing that even after I finished the book, my head and my heart were still somewhere in France.”
‘The Mistletoe Promise’ by Sofi Laporte
Historical romance author Sofi Laporte delivers a swoon-worthy Regency love story that follows Frances Littleworth, who is stuck at an all-girls boarding school in Bath, England. But when Mr. Percy Tiverton, future Earl of Halsford, convinces her to hire him as a drawing master, Frances realizes she is falling in love with the irritatingly handsome gentleman. When they find themselves stuck underneath the mistletoe, Frances just might get everything she’s ever wanted.
What readers are saying: “Sofi is one of my favorite regency romance authors and I couldn’t wait to read this new holiday romance in her Wishing Well series. I loved the sweetness between Frances and Percy and their bonding over art, history and Christmas pudding. You definitely won’t want to miss this adorable story.”
‘12 Days at Bleakly Manor’ by Michelle Griep
A Victorian-era holiday mystery unfolds after Clara Chapman accepts an unexpected invitation to spend Christmas at the manor of an unknown host. When she arrives, the last person she expects to see is her vengeful ex-fiancé, Benjamin Lane. The pair, along with the other guests, is promised a reward if they remain for the entire 12 days—a challenge that appears to be easier said than done in the dangerous halls of the manor.
What readers are saying: “During the cold months, I love curling up with a hot cup of tea and a captivating read as the snow swirls around outside my window,” says Shay Trotter, Woman’s World Associate Editor. “So when I came across this historical mystery set around Christmastime, I just knew it would be the right pick to cozy up with. This mystery was the perfect reminder to appreciate the ones you love, especially around the holidays.”
‘Christmas for the District Nurses’ by Annie Groves
Readers are transported back to 1941 in this dramatic, heartfelt tale of the lives of five nurses—Gladys, Alice, Edith, Kathleen and Peggy. When London is devastated by the WWII blitz, the challenges for the district nurses get even tougher—even amid snowstorms and Christmas, they must forge ahead. Juggling their jobs, relationships, families and individual struggles, each nurse’s story unfolds with emotion and passion.
What readers are saying: “Love the ongoing stories of all the characters! The author captures your interest and you always want to know more about all the folks who had to survive and carry on during a very difficult time in WWII Britain.”
‘Home for Christmas’ by Courtney Cole
This enchanting holiday novel follows Piper McCaulley, who wakes up after a blizzard to find that she’s been transported back in time to 1945. Piper walks outside and realizes she’s at the original home of her ancestors, and it’s during the time when her Gran is the same age as she is now. Piper gets to know Gran in a whole new way as she goes on a Christmastime journey through time to learn the meaning of love, home and family legacy.
What readers are saying: “The picturesque backdrop of Alaska, snow drifts, Christmas season and decorations abound. I loved the story of Piper trying to find herself, her mission and place in life and what her family’s legacy truly means to her.”
‘Christmas with the Cornish Girls’ by Betty Walker
This heartwarming, festive wartime saga is set in 1941 St. Ives, a seaside town in Cornwall. The story follows the Cornish Girls: Lily, Eva and Rose. Lily is not in the holiday spirit, Eva is looking for love from the man who almost gave his life to protect hers and Rose is on a mission to help the local orphanage. Together, the girls plan to give themselves and St. Ives a Christmas to remember.
What readers are saying: “What a delightful story to ring in the Christmas season. The lives of these women, though this is a work of fiction, could be the story of our mothers, grandmothers or aunts. I admire their courage and fearless dedication to duty while finding ways to live, love and celebrate.”
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
